Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a field of rehabilitation that focuses on helping people who require special assistance to lead independent, productive, and rewarding lives. We work with children and adults of all ages, from toddlers to great-grandparents.
Occupational therapy helps you resume normal functioning after an injury or condition, like arthritis, interferes with your ability to complete daily tasks.
What is occupational therapy?
In addition to your physical well-being, occupational therapy addresses environmental, social, and psychological factors that may affect daily functioning. Depending on your personal needs, you may work on basic tasks like bathing and getting dressed, or learn adaptive techniques that allow you to participate in activities without pain.
Why would I need occupational therapy?
Our team may recommend occupational therapy as part of your rehabilitation plan if you have an injury or condition that limits your ability to function independently. They work with people who have a wide variety of conditions, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Developmental delays
- Broken bones
- Stroke or heart attack
- Work-related injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic amputations
- Post-surgical pain
- Orthopedic injuries
- Mental health problems
They also help people cope with pain and restricted mobility from chronic conditions, like arthritis and multiple sclerosis.
How is occupational therapy different from physical therapy?
Occupational therapy and physical therapy both seek to improve your quality of life, but they have different purposes.
The goal of physical therapy is to relieve pain by improving your strength, balance, and flexibility. Occupational therapy focuses on re-training you with important and meaningful skills, like caring for yourself at home and navigating work and school activities.
What should I expect from an occupational therapy session?
Your first appointment involves an in-depth evaluation of your unique needs. The on-site occupational therapist works with you to map out clear and attainable personal goals based on your specific condition and life demands.
Because every patient is different, your occupational therapy visit is a customized experience.
