Occupational Therapy

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational Therapy/Hand therapy is the art and science of treating injuries and conditions of the upper extremity (shoulder, arm, elbow, forearm, wrist and hand).  The main goal of Occupational Therapy/Hand therapy is to help patient’s restore lost strength, function, and motor abilities and movements in their shoulders, elbow, forearm, wrists and hands by utilizing everyday activities (occupations) to promote health, well-being and return to participation in important activities in their daily life. Occupational Therapy is typically ordered to help in the recovery process following injury, surgery, disease or deformity of the upper extremity.  It can be prescribed as an individual treatment or combined with other treatment options.  

An occupational therapist will examine the patient’s symptoms and their ability to perform specific activities and then develop a treatment plan based on observations and objective data.  The primary goal of treatment is to manage pain and swelling, as well as prescribing exercises, modalities, fabricating custom orthotics and educating on activity modification techniques and assistive devices to help maximize independence and restore function.  Occupational therapy incorporates the therapeutic use of self-care, work and play activities to increase independent function, enhance development and prevent disability.

Occupational therapists are licensed medical professionals who have advanced knowledge in anatomy, physiology and kinesiology of the upper extremity who work with multiple patient populations impacted by disease, injury and impaired function. They help enable patients of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping them promote health and prevent and or live better with illness, injury or disability.