Occupational Therapy

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Occupational therapy often encompasses activities associated with daily living. Our program provides a comprehensive concentration on upper extremities and hand therapy, including helping patients with routine tasks such as buttoning a shirt, tying a shoe, using utensils or shaving. We work with a wide range of patients, from children through seniors. Home assessments are available, as appropriate.

Occupational therapy is provided in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Inpatient therapists assist patients with becoming more independent in their daily tasks after an injury or surgery. Our specialized outpatient programs also include treatment of lymphedema and a functional capacity assessment for injured workers—also part of our industrial rehabilitation program.

A few of the more common treatment diagnoses include: cerebral vascular accident (CVA or stroke), congestive heart failure (CHF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart surgery, orthopedic problems, cancer and general weakness.

Lymphedema

Lymphedema is chronic swelling in the arms or legs. It results from excess fluid buildup in the tissues because the lymphatic system is not working right. Lymphedema may occur when people have lymph nodes or lymph vessels damaged or removed as the result of cancer surgeries, radiation therapy or an accident.

The most common effect from lymphedema is swelling. Swelling can cause pain, loss of movement and an increased risk of infection. If you notice swelling of an arm or leg, see your provider. If you are diagnosed with lymphedema, you may be referred to physical or occupational therapy. We can assist you with a plan to decrease swelling and teach you skills to manage future swelling at home. Therapy will consist of lymph drainage massage, medical compression bandaging, exercise advice and training in a home management program. You may also be prescribed a compression garment to help control swelling.

Wheelchair Clinic / Assistive Devices

The Seating/Wheelchair Clinic is a service offered through the Norton KDH Rehabilitation Center in Madison. Clinics are offered at least one or two times per month. Please call (812) 801-0674 to inquire about specific dates and times.

A certified assistive technology professional will assess a patient’s needs for supportive cushions, proper assistive devices and the best fitting chair (wheelchair), if necessary. The program has been designed by a DME provider who is knowledgeable about assistive equipment and its related insurance coverages. The patient assessment is completed by a licensed occupational or physical therapist to ensure all areas of care are addressed. Our goal is for patients to improve their quality of life. With safety in mind, we also want every patient to use the most appropriate assistive equipment.

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