An Occupational Therapist is a health professional with at least a
4-year college degree that specializes in evaluation and treatment of
various diagnoses that limit functional independence.
Recovery after an injury to your hand, wrist, elbow or shoulder can be
difficult. An Occupational Therapist can help you return to your work,
sporting and home activities.
After receiving your doctor's order the Occupational Therapist will
complete a comprehensive evaluation of your:
Range of motion
Strength
Sensation
Coordination
Skin and/or wound condition
Pain
Swelling
Functional postures and body mechanics
Your Occupational Therapist will develop an unique, individual
treatment program that may include:
Range of motion exercises
Strengthening exercises
Exercises, massage and or use of modalities to decrease pain and
swelling
Splinting to support your injury
Wound and skin care
Workstation assessment/ job site evaluations
Functional ergonomics
Treatment will also include education about the cause and anatomy of
your injury, and often includes continuation of a home program to continue
your progress. Finally, your participation in your treatment will bring
about the best result.
An Occupational Therapist may work in a variety of settings such as:
A clinic treating orthopedic injuries of the upper extremity.
A clinic that specializes in workplace injuries
A hospital setting that treats patients who have had surgeries,
illnesses, strokes or other ailments that limit function
A school setting, working with children who have neurological or
orthopedic disabilities
A facility that helps people return home after illness or injury
An inpatient rehabilitation facility that provides intensive therapy
to individuals who need improved function before they return home after
a serious illness or injury
In a patient's home, working with many of the conditions listed
above with people who cannot travel outside their homes
