Occupational Therapy

As a recognized member of the rehabilitation team, the occupational therapist uses purposeful activities and techniques which are individualized to meet the particular needs of the patient.

The goal of treatment is to help a patient achieve maximum functional independence enabling them to live a productive life. Treatments are available for patients with congenital or acquired diseases and deformities of the hand or upper extremity. These treatments include corrective and protective devices using custom static and dynamic splints, exercise instruction.

Individualized home programs and patient education for joint conservation, sensory awareness, and energy conservation are emphasized. Additional treatment modalities include biofeedback and physical agents such as heat, cold (cryotherapy), electrical stimulation, paraffin, and fluidotherapy to assist the patient in attaining greater mobility, joint flexibility, strength, or desensitization of painful areas.

Patients with neurological disorders or in need of orthopedic adaptive training also benefit from occupational therapy. Therapeutic exercises, training in self-care activities, activities of daily living, and self-help adaptive equipment training are methods used to maximize independence in the safest possible manner. Occupational therapists also may suggest changes in the layout of the patient’s home, work or school to permit greater independence and accessibility during recovery from an illness or injury.

Hand Rehabilitation

After a hand injury, patients may receive hydrotherapy and wound care or dressing changes performed by the occupational therapists to clean the wound and promote healing. The healing is guided by the appropriate type of exercise which is administered by the occupational therapists. The occupational therapists also design and fabricate splints to provide protection, prevent deformities and enhance function after injury or surgery. Additional treatment techniques for patients with hand injuries include sensory re-education and control of swelling.

The Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation has a certified hand therapist on staff to address any of these needs. With the ultimate goal of returning to work or hobbies, patients are introduced to tasks that simulate activities of interest and progress to increasingly difficult activities to maximize job or self-care performance.

Post-Mastectomy and Post-Breast Reconstruction/Tram Procedure Program

Occupational therapists provide patients with specific therapeutic exercises to promote full motion of the arms following post-operative procedures, with emphasis placed on shoulder motion. Patients that are post-breast reconstruction are instructed in additional exercises to compensate for the strength deficits associated with muscles transferred in the TRAM procedure. Patient education is a key component of these programs including home exercises, precautions, and skin care.