Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy focuses on helping patients reach their maximum level of independence in activities of daily living. The occupational therapist utilizes functional therapeutic activities to assist the patient in regaining the skills required to complete activities such as feeding, grooming, dressing, bathing, toileting, and homemaking. Joint range of motion, muscle strength, coordination, physical endurance, cognition and current level of function in activities of daily living are all assessed. The OT will then work with the patient and family to incorporate patient’s goals into an individualized treatment plan. Family is strongly encouraged to participate in therapy and be part of the rehabilitation process. Sessions revolving around family education are provided throughout the patient’s stay to insure that families can provide what is needed once the patient is discharged home. The occupational therapist will also assist the patient and family in identifying any adaptive equipment/ home medical equipment needs prior to discharge. The Occupational Therapy department also provides a variety of specialized services. We have inpatient and outpatient staff specially trained in Lymphedema Management. There are also occupational therapists trained with Kinesiotaping techniques which is a specialized taping technique used to retrain weakened muscles, help manage pain and correct various joint issues. The Occupational Therapy department can also provide splinting and casting options to our various orthopedic and neurological populations. These devices can be used to retain/regain or prevent joint range of motion, protect following surgery, manage pain in injured joints, and stabilize according to patients’ needs. Upper extremity prosthetic training can also be provided by our outpatient therapists here at Spain Rehabilitation Center.