Occupational Therapy
While the focus of physical therapy is helping patients recover mobility and range of motion and decreasing pain, the focus of occupational therapy is improving patients’ ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (iADLs). ADLs are activities that are oriented towards taking care of one’s body such as bathing, showering, dressing, feeding, and functional mobility. IADLs are activities that support one’s daily life and are often more complex than ADLs. IADLs include driving, meal preparation, home management, and health management, among others. Our occupational therapists will evaluate and treat impaired physical function, with the goal of improving and maximizing function and performance so that patients may live a healthier, more productive, and more satisfying lives.
+ Occupational therapy may benefit patients with…
+ Neurological disorders (Cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, stroke, traumatic brain injury, etc.)
+ Arthritis
+ Hip and knee replacement
+ Chronic pain
+ And more!
For each patient, our occupational therapists will perform an evaluation to determine a baseline status for tissues to be treated. This evaluation will assess the patient’s initial range of motion, strength and balance. The occupational therapist will discuss the results of this assessment with the patient to set appropriate goals, which will guide future sessions. Once goals have been set, the occupational therapist will use techniques such as modalities, manual therapy, and therapeutic exercise to improve the patient’s ability to perform ADLs. The patient may work on fine & gross motor skills, endurance, strength & range of motion, executive functioning, motor planning, and sequencing. The occupational therapist will also offer exercises to for the patient to perform at home.