Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy (OT) is defined as a form of treatment for those recuperating from physical or mental illness that encourages rehabilitation through the performance of activities required in daily life. While physical therapy helps patients cope with pain, increase range of motion, improve endurance, and develop gross motor skills, occupational therapy focuses on how patients perform activities and roles that are most important to their daily lives.

The OT process starts with an evaluation to determine what the patient wants and needs to do, and how these activities are being impacted by their current condition. From there, the OT practitioner will put together an intervention plan to manage pain and swelling, train in the use of joint protection and energy conservation, and modify daily activities.

To learn more, be sure to check out Occupational Therapy & Me, a conversation with Stephanie Lendroth, OTD, OTR/L.
Handwriting Finger Splint
Custom orthoses for various ailments
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FAQs

The primary difference between the two fields is that physical therapy helps patients cope with pain, increase range of motion, improve endurance, and develop gross motor skills; occupational therapy focuses more on how patients perform activities and roles that are most important to their daily lives.

The OT process starts with an evaluation to determine what the patient wants and needs to do, and how these activities are being affected by arthritis. From there, the OT practitioner will put together an intervention plan, which may include:

  • Pain management with physical agent modalities (e.g. heat, cold);
  • Techniques to manage swelling, including elevation, compression, exercise and splinting;
  • Training in the use of joint protection and energy conservation techniques;
  • Activity modifications in home, work and school settings

Custom splints can be used to immobilize, mobilize, restrict, support, or protect a body part. Our OTs are trained to make a variety of finger, hand and wrist splints that are customized for each condition and individual.

Common diagnoses that our therapists make custom orthoses for include:

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Wrist sprain
  • Wrist clicking
  • Carpal instability
  • Thumb arthritis
  • Trigger finger
  • Mallet finger

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