April 25, 2024

Occupational Therapists Make Everyday Living Easier

Therapy
Occupational Therapists Make Everyday Living Easier

April is Occupational Therapy Month, which recognizes Occupational Therapists (OTs) and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) and the meaningful differences they make in their patients’ lives. They help people of all ages regain independence and develop skills to make everyday living easier. If you or a loved one is rehabilitating from surgery, has experienced a fall or a stroke, or is dealing with arthritis pain in hands or thumbs, OTs can offer a valuable service.

OTs educate on movement patterns, exercises, and activity modifications to help you return to your life sooner. In addition, OTs are experts in fitting and recommending adaptive equipment (e.g., jar/can openers, adaptive writing devices, built-up utensils, silicone or rubber hand grippers) to reduce the daily stress on your hands.

Fort HealthCare’s Occupational Therapy Clinics also offer specialized services that can be tailored to meet the needs of an individual or workplace.

These specialized services include:

  • Lymphedema Treatment – A treatment program that focuses on post-surgical swelling, chronic swelling or swelling following breast cancer treatments.
  • Certified Hand Therapy – Our therapists have specialized training for the hand, arm and elbow including custom splinting services. Our program provides seamless, efficient and coordinated care that restores injured hands to the highest possible level of function.
  • Pediatric Therapy Services – Specialized services for children of all ages and abilities including those with sensory processing issues, neurological disorders and musculoskeletal injuries. Outpatient and school base services are both offered.
  • Ergonomics– Assessment and recommendations to improve the efficiency of a body’s function in a work environment.
  • Functional Dry Needling– Our therapists use this technique for the management of neuromusculoskeletal pain, trigger points, and movement impairments. Thin filiform needles are inserted into targeted muscles, so there is no need for medication or painful injections.
  • Work Hardening and post-injury services– This is an intensive program designed to return an employee to work following an injury.

With services provided at Fort Memorial Hospital and the Therapy and Sport Centers in Fort Atkinson, Lake Mills, and Whitewater, your needed therapy can occur close to home.

To learn more about Fort HealthCare’s Occupational Therapy Department, please visit our website at FortHealthCare.com or call 920-563-9357 to schedule an appointment.

https://www.hss.edu/conditions_assistive-devices-for-the-hand-small-joint-protection.asp