Rehabilitation Services

Newspaper Column

a) A therapist who provides a hip replacement patient with adaptive equipment and instructions in self-care methods.
b) A therapist who instructs a person with arthritis in ways to utilize joint protection techniques while performing daily activities.
c) A therapist who evaluates and treats a stroke patient using muscle re-education, sensory remediation, perceptual and cognitive training.
d) A therapist who teaches energy conservation methods after a heart attack or to a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
e) All of the above.

If you chose “e”, you are correct! Occupational therapy (OT) is a health and rehabilitation profession. Even though occupational therapy has been around since 1917, many people are not familiar with the benefits OT has to offer. OT does not just treat medical conditions. It helps people stay engaged in the activities that give them pleasure or a sense of purpose, despite challenges. Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants work with people of all ages who, because of physical, developmental, social, or emotional problems, need specialized assistance to lead independent, productive, and satisfying lives.

People who would benefit from occupational therapy may include those who have had a stroke; hip or knee replacement surgery; heart attack; injuries from sports, falls, or accidents; burns; spinal cord injuries; amputations; mental health problems; birth defects; and learning disabilities or developmental disabilities. Occupational therapists develop individual or “patient specific” treatment programs that are “outcome oriented”.

Treatment activities may include therapeutic upper body exercise, muscle re-education, fine motor coordination activities, functional transfer training, and training aimed at improving abilities to carry out activities of daily living. For instance, after a stroke or hip replacement, a person may need recommendations and training in assistive equipment for putting on socks and shoes, and fastening zippers and buttons. Or, a person may need to be taught different techniques to perform home management tasks, such as cooking and cleaning. Occupational therapy addresses one of the most important aspects of rehabilitation and recovery—the return to a normal life.

In a rehabilitation program, occupational therapy’s main goal is for the person to achieve maximum independence so that they can return to their home environment. Additionally, a home evaluation is usually performed to determine adaptations that will facilitate independence and safety once the patient is discharged home. In most settings the occupational therapist is a member of the healthcare team and works closely with doctors, nurses, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals.

At HSC Rehabilitation Center, an occupational therapist participates on such a team to provide rehabilitation services. In recognition of all the ways occupational therapy contributes to society’s well being, April has been designated as Occupational Therapy Month. If you would like more information regarding occupational therapy, please call the occupational therapy office at HSC Rehab Center at (501) 332-7032.

Tracey Zeiner, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist at HSC Rehabilitation Center.