Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation

Occupational Therapist

The occupational therapist (OT) helps patients achieve their maximal level of independence in daily living activities which include the areas of eating, grooming, dressing, bathing, cooking, home management, written communication, parenting, leisure and community based activities.

This is accomplished through the development of individualized treatment programs that include goals that are designed to match the patient’s interests and needs. These goals are addressed through activities and exercises aimed at increasing strength, range of motion and coordination, as well as offering the patient an opportunity to practice functional skills.

Other services provided by the occupational therapist include:

• Design and fabrication of orthosis (splints), modified clothing and adaptive
  equipment
• Education in technological aids such as computers and environmental control
  units
• Retraining in the area of cognitive and perceptual activities
• Education of patients, caregivers and families to assist the patient in self-care
  activities and home exercise programs
• Assistance with the arrangement of continued occupational therapy after
  discharge either at home or in an outpatient setting as indicated.
• Therapeutic recreation specialist