Occupational Therapy
An occupational therapist assists a patient with her exercises. Occupational therapy is beneficial for patients recovering from a major injury or extensive surgery.
For patients experiencing problems with mobility or needing assistance performing everyday tasks, occupational therapy can be the ideal treatment option. At MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital, our occupational therapists can help you or your loved one regain and develop skills for independent living and overall health. While physical therapy focuses on musculoskeletal/sensorimotor, vestibular (balance or sight) and mobility impairments, occupational therapy addresses visual or cognitive impairments to help patients resume activities in their daily lives. The goal of occupational therapy is to minimize the effects of a patient's impairment and maximize safety while performing daily tasks.
Conditions
Many people can benefit from occupational therapy, including those with:
- Arthritis
- Hand, wrist or arm injuries
- Neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease
- Work-related injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis
- Spinal cord injury
- Stroke
Treatment Options
Occupational therapy includes the following treatment options:
- Customized treatment programs to improve function for activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, grooming, cooking, feeding, toileting, bathtub or shower transfers, cleaning, driving and returning to work
- Our occupational therapists will address the use of your hands, arms, vision, perception, and cognition during your daily routine.
- Recommendations and training in the use of adaptive equipment to replace lost function
- Evaluation and treatment of hand and wrist dysfunction to improve strength and coordination
- Recommendations for home and job environment modifications
- Instructions to family members and caregivers in safe and effective methods of caring for individuals
Occupational Therapy Objectives
Along with physical therapy, occupational therapy focuses on increasing mobility and safety by targeting the deficits that pose the greatest risk for falls, including:
- Impairments to the musculoskeletal or sensorimotor system (due to aging, arthritis, deconditioning, and orthopaedic trauma/surgery)
- Peripheral or central nervous system pathology or diagnosis
- Decreased functional mobility status
- Impaired vision
- Vestibular (balance or sight) dysfunction
- Cognitive impairments
- Problems with the home environment
Patient Eligibility
Your medical eligibility is determined by our staff following a thorough evaluation. Admission to our rehabilitation program depends on several important criteria:
- Physical condition requires at least two rehabilitation services, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language therapy
- Ability to follow instructions, learn and remember new skills
- Ability to participate in at least three hours of therapy a day, five days a week
- Reasonable post-rehabilitation discharge plan
