Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy practitioners use work-related activities in the assessment and treatment of persons whose ability to function in a competitive work environment has been impaired by physical illness or injury. Occupational therapy personnel use their knowledge of the structure and function of the human body, the effects of injury and illness, and the components of activity to increase the client's involvement in productive activity and safe practices.

Specific services include:

    * Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) - An FCE is a test that provides objective data regarding a person's physical capabilities to perform functional activities. This test can be utilized at any point in a person's rehabilitation program, but most commonly it is done when she/he is thought to be at a maximal functional capacity level.
    * Work Simulation Activities - Occupational Therapists will assess deficits between current capacities and work or home-related goals, then provide strengthening and endurance activities to help patients improve to their maximal level of function.
    * Hand Therapy Services - Occupational Therapists evaluate and treat hand and upper extremity injuries including cumulative trauma, arthritis, complex regional pain syndromes, and tendonitis. Therapists can offer modalities, exercise programs, splinting and return-to-work recommendations.
    * Injury prevention services such as post-offer screens, work-site evaluations and educational lectures.
    * Occupational therapy is part of the interdisciplinary team that provides Work Hardening and Functional Restoration programs.