Occupational Therapy Specialist

What is occupational therapy?

Occupational therapy is a field of rehabilitation that focuses on helping people who require special assistance to lead independent, productive, and rewarding lives. The occupational therapists at Active Joints Orthopedics work with children and adults of all ages, from toddlers to great-grandparents.

In addition to your physical well-being, occupational therapy addresses environmental, social, and psychological factors that may affect daily functioning. Depending on your personal needs, you may work on basic tasks like bathing and getting dressed, or learn adaptive techniques that allow you to participate in activities without pain.

Why would I need occupational therapy?

The team at Active Joints Orthopedics may recommend occupational therapy as part of your rehabilitation plan if you have an injury or condition that limits your ability to function independently. They work with people who have a wide variety of conditions, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Developmental delays
• Broken bones
• Stroke or heart attack
• Work-related injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic amputations
• Post-surgical pain
• Orthopedic injuries
• Mental health problems

They also help people cope with pain and restricted mobility from chronic conditions, like arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

How is occupational therapy different from physical therapy?

Occupational therapy and physical therapy both seek to improve your quality of life, but they have different purposes.

The goal of physical therapy is to relieve pain by improving your strength, balance, and flexibility. Occupational therapy focuses on re-training you with important and meaningful skills, like caring for yourself at home and navigating work and school activities.

What should I expect from an occupational therapy session?

Active Joints Orthopedics provides on-site occupational therapy. Not only does this offer the convenience of same-day physician and therapy appointments, but it facilitates communication and collaboration between your providers.

Your first appointment at Active Joints Orthopedics involves an in-depth evaluation of your unique needs. The on-site occupational therapist works with you to map out clear and attainable personal goals based on your specific condition and life demands.

Because every patient is different, your occupational therapy visit is a customized experience. To find out how they can help you, call Active Joints Orthopedics or book an appointment online today.