Occupational therapy means helping people of all ages to do the things they need to do, want to do, are expected to do, and more importantly, what they love to do.
What is occupational therapy?
Occupational therapy is a science-driven, evidence-based profession that enables people of all ages to participate in daily living or to live life better with injury, illness, or disability. This is accomplished through designing strategies for everyday living and customizing environments to develop and maximize potential. Occupational Therapy promotes health by enabling people, groups of people or populations to fully engage in the activities of life. At Prairie Lakes, we have inpatient, outpatient, and home health occupational therapy, helping patients navigate each stage of their recovery.
What can occupational therapy do for you?
Occupational therapy can help you participate in life activities or occupations and provide recommendations for:
- Daily activities
- Adaptive equipment
- Caregiver and family training
- Planning and making the most of daily routines
- Returning to school, work, and leisure activities
- Techniques to aid in memory, concentration, and executive functioning
- Falls prevention and home safety and accessibility
What are common impairments that may require occupational therapy?
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Numbness or tingling that has recurred for over 2 weeks and has led to dysfunction/pain
- Trigger finger: Triggering or locking of digits at anytime (no minimum duration of symptoms, the sooner the better)
- CMC/thumb arthritis: CMC joint arthritis occurs where the thumb bone meets the wrist causing CMC/wrist pain that limits function
- Lateral/Medial epicondylalgia: Elbow pain that has been present at least 2 weeks or that is severe/function limiting
- General shoulder pain/impingement: New shoulder pain or pain that is function limiting (including sleep)
For each of these impairments, we recommend occupational therapy because they may not be good candidates for surgical intervention. By participating in a course of conservative management, they can improve their pain and function and receive a Home Exercise Program (HEP) for when or if their pain does arise.
To schedule an appointment with Occupational Therapy, call Prairie Lake Rehabilitation & Therapy Services at 605-882-7700.