What Sets Occupational Therapists Apart

What Sets Occupational Therapists Apart

Learn what Occupational Therapists can do to improve your daily life

Why Occupational Therapy?

    • Occupational Therapists help people throughout their lives participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations)
  • Occupational therapy practitioners are trained in the STRUCTURE & FUNCTION of the human body and the EFFECTS of illness and injury.
  • They also can determine how the components of the workplace can facilitate a healthy and efficient environment or one that could cause injury or illness.
  • This includes skilled task analysis of the body in action at work.

What Can An Occupational Therapist Do?

  • Identify and eliminate accident and injury risk factors in the workplace, such as actions associated with:

* Repetition

* Force

* Fixed or awkward postures

* Poorly designed tool handles

* Heavy loads

* Distance

* Vibration

* Noise

* Extreme temperatures

* Poor lighting

* Psychosocial and other occupational stresses.

  • Analyze job functions and job descriptions based on job tasks.
  • Design pre-hire screenings to determine a candidate’s suitability to a particular job.
  • Provide education and training on injury prevention, workplace health and safety regulations, and managing job-related stress.
  • Determine reasonable accommodations and worksite accessibility that is in compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act.
  • Modify tools and equipment so that they do not enable injury or illness.
  • Recommend changes employers can take to minimize injury and accident risk factors.

Common Diagnoses that come to us too late for Prevention Needing Therapeutic Attention:

* Carpal Tunnel: wrist median nerve impingement

* DeQuervain’s: thumb extension, first dorsal compartment

* Cubital Tunnel: ulnar nerve impingement

* Tennis Elbow: lateral epicondylitis

* Golfer’s Elbow: medial epicondylitis

* Tendonitis: (‘mixed bag’)

* Neuritis: fascial restrictions and ‘double-crush’

Skilled hand therapy intervention is often warranted after severe traumatic injury or post-surgery. Hand therapists also work with people to prevent work-related injuries and help those with minor overuse work related injuries before they become a bigger problem. Then contact us for a free consultation Call 425-481-1933!