Occupational Therapy

Professionally reviewed by Jenna Sopp, MS, OTR/L, ITOT, Supervisor, Outpatient Neurorehabilitation, on 08/12/2023.

Occupational therapy is not just about finding a job; it’s about helping individuals of all ages lead fulfilling, independent lives. At Good Shepherd Rehabilitation, we’re committed to empowering you or your loved one to overcome daily life challenges, regain independence, and improve your overall quality of life.

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy is a specialized healthcare service focused on enhancing an individual’s ability to engage in meaningful daily activities, or “occupations.” These can range from self-care tasks, like dressing and bathing, to work-related activities, leisure pursuits and more. Our occupational therapy services at Good Shepherd Rehabilitation are tailored to help individuals of all ages and abilities achieve their unique goals, promoting independence and well-being.

occupational therapy

Conditions Treated by Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is a versatile healthcare field that addresses a broad spectrum of conditions to help individuals improve their independence and quality of life. Conditions treated by occupational therapy include, but are not limited to:

  1. Physical Injuries: Occupational therapists work with individuals recovering from injuries such as fractures, sprains, strains and amputations, helping them regain function and mobility.
  2. Orthopedic Conditions: This includes conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders. Occupational therapy helps individuals manage pain and maintain daily activities.
  3. Neurological Conditions: Occupational therapists assist individuals affected by neurological conditions like stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and spinal cord injuries to improve functional abilities and regain independence.
  4. Pediatric Developmental Delays: Occupational therapy plays a critical role in addressing developmental delays in children, including fine motor skill deficits and sensory processing challenges.
  5. Autism Spectrum Disorders: Occupational therapy helps individuals with autism spectrum disorders improve their communication, social and daily living skills.
  6. Geriatric Care: Occupational therapists provide care to older adults to address mobility and functional limitations associated with aging, such as fall prevention and home safety.
  7. Cerebral Palsy: Occupational therapy assists children and adults with cerebral palsy in developing independence in activities of daily living.
  8. Amputations: Occupational therapists help individuals adapt to prosthetics and regain functional mobility following amputations.
  9. Chronic Pain: Occupational therapy is valuable in managing and improving the quality of life for individuals with chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
  10. Burn Injuries: Occupational therapists assist individuals in recovering from burn injuries by addressing mobility, pain management and scar tissue management.
  11. Hand and Upper Extremity Injuries: Occupational therapy helps individuals with injuries or conditions affecting the hand and upper extremities, including tendon injuries, fractures and nerve compression.
  12. Spinal Cord Injuries: Occupational therapists work with individuals who have sustained spinal cord injuries to regain independence and adapt to daily activities.
  13. Stroke Recovery: Occupational therapy plays a crucial role in stroke rehabilitation, addressing mobility, communication and daily living skills.
  14. Cognitive Impairments: Occupational therapists work with individuals who have cognitive impairments due to brain injuries or neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
  15. Vision Impairments: Occupational therapy helps individuals with vision impairments adapt to daily life and enhance their independence.

Occupational therapists develop personalized treatment plans to address the specific needs and goals of each individual, aiming to improve their ability to perform daily activities, enhance their quality of life and achieve greater independence.

The Work We Do:

At Good Shepherd Rehabilitation, our team of skilled occupational therapists collaborates with you to develop personalized treatment plans that address your specific needs. Here’s an overview of the work we do:

  • Assessment and Goal Setting: We begin with a comprehensive assessment to understand your challenges, strengths and goals. Together, we define what independence means to you.
  • Customized Interventions: Based on your assessment, we create individualized therapy programs. These interventions target activities of daily living, mobility, fine motor skills and sensory integration, among other areas.
  • Adaptive Techniques: We teach adaptive techniques and strategies to enhance your ability to perform daily tasks, whether it’s dressing, cooking or returning to work.
  • Functional Rehabilitation: Our focus is on functional rehabilitation, equipping you with the skills needed to regain independence in your chosen activities and roles.

The Role of Physiatrists in Occupational Therapy:

Physiatrists, or physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians, play a crucial role in our occupational therapy programs. They provide a medical perspective on your overall health and well-being, which is especially valuable when occupational therapy is part of a broader rehabilitation plan. Their contributions include:

  • Medical Assessment: Physiatrists conduct medical evaluations to diagnose and manage any underlying medical conditions that may affect your ability to engage in daily activities.
  • Collaborative Care: They work alongside occupational therapists and other healthcare professionals to ensure that all aspects of your rehabilitation are well-coordinated, integrated, and effective.
  • Medication Management: In cases where medication can support or complement occupational therapy, physiatrists may prescribe and manage medications that aid in your treatment.

Getting Started with Occupational Therapy:

Beginning your journey to improved independence with Good Shepherd Rehabilitation is straightforward:

  1. Referral: Obtain a referral from your primary care physician, specialist, or healthcare professional to assess the necessity of occupational therapy for your specific situation.
  2. Evaluation: Following the referral, we will schedule an initial evaluation. During this session, we’ll assess your daily activity needs and establish your personalized therapy plan.
  3. Therapy Sessions: Once the evaluation is complete, and your treatment plan is in place, you can commence your occupational therapy sessions. Our dedicated occupational therapists will guide you through every step, offering support, encouragement and expertise.
  4. Progress and Follow-up: We closely monitor your progress throughout your therapy, making any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan to ensure the best possible outcomes. Our goal is to help you achieve your goals and regain independence in daily life.

Request an Appointment

If you’re ready to take the first step toward enhanced independence, better quality of life, and improved well-being, don’t hesitate to contact Good Shepherd Rehabilitation today. We’re here to support you in regaining your independence and living life to the fullest.

To schedule an appointment with one of our occupational therapists, call 1.888.44.REHAB (73422) or filling out the form below.

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