Occupational Therapy
What Is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy (OT) is an evidence-based healthcare service that helps individuals of all ages achieve their highest level of function and independence. Whether recovering from an injury, managing a disability, or adapting to age-related changes, occupational therapists work closely with each patient to restore and improve their ability to perform everyday activities.
An occupational therapy plan is comprehensive and tailored to the individual. It typically includes:
- Individualized evaluation to identify personal goals
- Customized treatment to enhance daily functioning and independence
- Ongoing assessment to track progress and adjust the plan as needed
Why Choose Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapists (OTs) help people of all ages improve their ability to perform the things they want and need to do, whether that’s getting dressed, preparing meals, returning to hobbies, or regaining function after injury or surgery.
In fact, many of the same upper body conditions you may have seen a Physical Therapist for, such as neck, shoulder, or arm pain, can also be treated by an Occupational Therapist. In many of our clinics, patients with upper body injuries receive the same excellent care from our occupational therapists (OTs) as they do from our physical therapists (PTs).
What makes our approach unique is the collaborative care model between Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists. Working side by side, they share insights, coordinate care, and strengthen your rehabilitation plan — all to ensure the best possible outcomes for your recovery and long-term function.
Conditions Occupational Therapists Treat
At Bay State Physical Therapy, our Occupational Therapists treat a wide range of conditions, including:
- Shoulder, arm, elbow, and wrist injuries (including post-surgery recovery)
- Balance, dizziness, and coordination issues, such as those associated with multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injuries, and vestibular conditions
- Stroke, Parkinson’s, and memory-related challenges
- Support with daily routines and tasks. such as dressing, transferring, and feeding
Whether you’re recovering from an injury or surgical procedure, living with a neurological condition, or noticing changes in balance or coordination, Occupational Therapy can help you feel more capable and confident.
Hand Therapy
Hand therapy is a specialized area of occupational therapy that focuses on treating orthopedic upper-extremity issues meant to optimize the functional use of the arm and hand.
Typical conditions that affect the hand are lacerations, amputations, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, fractures and rheumatoid arthritis. In general, hand therapy focuses on the biomechanical issues of upper-extremity conditions. It is a patient-centered approach that addresses the needs of the patient, such as being able to lift things, open a jar, or button a shirt.
Hand therapy interventions provided by an occupational therapist may include therapeutic exercises, mirror therapy, orthosis design, pain management, manual therapy, taping, ergonomics, and compression therapy. Activities for a hand injury with an occupational therapist may include working with putty, using a gripper and using dumbbells.
The benefits of hand therapy include:
- Preventative, non-operative or conservative treatment
- Management of acute or chronic pain
- Desensitization following nerve injury or trauma
- Sensory re-education after nerve injury
- Design and implementation of home exercise programs to increase motion, dexterity, and/or strength
- Customized splint fabrication for prevention or correction of injury
- Training in the performance of daily life skills through adapted methods and equipment
- Conditioning prior to returning to work
Overall, occupational therapy goes beyond addressing injuries. It includes the functional needs of the patient and implements activities to promote psychological well-being. According to the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), in addition to dealing with an individual’s physical well-being, Occupational Therapy Practitioners address psychological, social, and environmental factors that may hinder an individual’s functioning in different ways. For example, occupational therapy for a young patient may include using a special tool to make cupcakes at home. Occupational therapy is a vital part of healthcare for patients. People tend to feel better emotionally when they can engage in everyday activities.
Do you have an injury or medical condition that is causing pain and limiting your daily activities? Would you like to learn more about how occupational therapy and physical therapy can help you eliminate your pain and improve performance? Give Bay State Physical Therapy a call today. Our certified and caring physical and occupational therapists are committed to helping you get on the road to recovery. Feel better and get back to your life with occupational therapy and physical therapy.