What is occupational therapy?
Occupational therapy uses strengthening exercises, stretches, and hands-on manipulation to make daily tasks like getting dressed, opening containers, or navigating your home easier.
Your occupational therapist at Beaufort Orthopaedic Sports & Spine Center can also make recommendations to make your home or work environment more supportive. For example, by removing cords or clutter from pathways, you can significantly reduce the risk of a slip and fall.
What are the goals of occupational therapy?
At Beaufort Orthopaedic Sports & Spine Center, the team uses occupational therapy to help people perform daily tasks. Each care plan is specifically designed to encourage independence and mobility while educating patients and their caregivers on steps they can take at home to speed up the recovery process.
Why would someone need occupational therapy?
At Beaufort Orthopaedic Sports & Spine Center, the team uses occupational therapy to treat various conditions, including:
- Recovery from an injury or a surgery
- Chronic pain
- Arthritis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Meniscus tears
- Sciatica
- Neck and back pain
- Herniated disc
- Trigger finger
Occupational therapy is also worth considering if you care for someone who has a neurodegenerative condition like Alzheimer’s disease or vascular dementia. Occupational therapy can help them maintain their independence as the disease progresses.
What types of treatment does occupational therapy provide?
At Beaufort Orthopaedic Sports & Spine Center, no two occupational therapy plans are exactly alike. The team tailors treatment based on your age, symptoms, and medical history. Following an exam and an in-office consultation, they might recommend:
- Relearning how to perform daily tasks like eating, bathing, or getting dressed
- Using mobility devices like a walker, crutches, or a cane
- Teaching you how to safely use the bathtub, toilet, or shower
- Teaching you stress-management techniques
- Strengthening exercises that enhance your motor skills and muscle memory
If you have poor balance and are at risk of experiencing a fall, the team might also visit your house and identify ways to make your daily routine easier.
How long will I need to participate in occupational therapy?
The length of time you need to participate in occupational therapy depends on various factors, including your age, medical history, and the intensity of your symptoms. Most people benefit from a series of six-eight* sessions spaced a week apart, but it may take longer.
To ensure a positive outcome, carefully follow your provider’s instructions and attend each check-up.
To explore the benefits of occupational therapy, make an appointment at Beaufort Orthopaedic Sports & Spine Center by calling the nearest office, or clicking the online scheduling tool today.
