Occupational therapy
Occupational therapy encompasses most purposeful and daily living activities. Our program provides a comprehensive concentration on upper extremities and hand therapy, including splinting. Complete home assessment is available.
Reviewed 1/31/2023
Sources
- Arthritis Foundation. "Occupational Therapy for Arthritis." https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/treatment/complementary-therapies/physical-therapies/occupational-therapy-for-arthritis.
- American Occupational Therapy Association. "What Is Occupational Therapy?" https://www.aota.org/-/media/corporate/files/practice/manage/presentation-resources/brochure/what-is-ot-brochure.pdf.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Occupational Therapists." https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-therapists.htm.
Occupational therapy: True or false?
If you have an accident, illness or other health problem that makes everyday activities difficult, occupational therapists are here to help. Do you know all the ways these specialists can help you live independently?
True or false: Occupational therapy is only appropriate for people with severe, permanent disabilities.
False. This therapy can help people facing a wide range of health challenges. It can, for example, help people with wrist injuries return to their jobs and hobbies. It may help those with arthritis protect their joints by performing tasks differently. And it can help stroke survivors learn new ways to do daily tasks, like dressing and cooking.
True or false: Occupational therapy is most helpful for older adults.
False. Occupational therapists can help children with trouble concentrating succeed in school. They can help youngsters with autism learn to socialize. And they can help kids who use wheelchairs play with peers. They can even help babies and toddlers meet developmental milestones if they're at risk for delays.
True or false: Part of occupational therapists' expertise is helping patients use special equipment.
True. Occupational therapists may suggest adaptive devices—such as wheelchairs, leg braces or eating aids—to help people be more independent. They can also help people modify their homes or workplaces to accommodate their needs and restrictions.
True or false: Occupational therapists tailor their care plan to each person—and each person's own needs and preferences.
True. Occupational therapists help people meet goals that matter to them, whether that's driving, visiting friends or improving memory. They also work closely with family members to help them support these goals.
True or false: Occupational therapy is reserved for those with physical problems.
False. Occupational therapists also help people with a mental illness or emotional problems. They might help them manage activities that otherwise seem overwhelming, such as budgeting, using public transportation or keeping up with household chores.
Discover what other types of therapy might help you or a loved one live more fully when coping with an injury or illness.
Visit the rehabilitation health topic center
Sources: American Occupational Therapy Association; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Occupational therapy is provided on an inpatient and outpatient basis. The inpatient therapists assist patients in becoming more independent in their daily tasks after injury or surgery. Our specialized outpatient programs include treatment of lymphedema and a functional capacity assessment for injured workers—also part of our industrial rehabilitation program.
A few of the 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 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 then cause pain, loss of movement and an increased risk of infection. If you notice swelling of an arm or leg, see your doctor. 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.
The Seating/Wheelchair Clinic is a new program offered through the Norton KDH Rehabilitation Center. Clinics will be 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.