Occupational Therapy Services/Hand Therapy

What is an Occupational Therapist?

The American Occupational Therapy Association says...
Occupational therapists are skilled professionals that provide treatment that helps individuals achieve independence in all facets of their lives. Occupational therapy gives people the "skills for the job of living" necessary for independent and satisfying lives. Services typically offered include:

• Customized treatment programs aimed at improving abilities to carry out the activities of daily living.
• Comprehensive evaluation of home and job environments and recommending the necessary adaptations.
• Recommendations and training in the use of adaptive equipment to replace lost function.
• Guidance to family and caregivers in safe and effective methods of caring for individuals.

In addition to these services, the occupational therapist at PTSR specializes in the care of injuries affecting the hand, wrist and elbow.

Hand therapy, a specialty practice area of occupational therapy, is typically concerned with treating orthopedic-based upper-extremity conditions to optimize the functional use of the hand and arm. Diagnoses seen by the occupational therapy practitioner specializing in this area include:

• Fractures of the Hand or Arm
• Lacerations and Amputations
• Burns
• Surgical Repairs of Tendons and Nerves
• Tendonitis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

OT Services in Ergonomics

Occupational Therapy's Goal: Promote the health and safety of the workforce of all ages by reducing/minimizing employee exposures to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) through the analysis of:

• Repetitions
• Forceful Exertions
• Awkward Postures
• Contact Stress
• Vibration
• Extreme Temperatures
• Risk of Injury Associated With Cognitive Process Changes (e.g., manufacturing process changes such as computerization, increased automation, decreasing mental alertness)
• Technology
• Communication
• Aging
• Current Company Exercise Programs