Outpatient occupational therapists help people of all ages with physical and functional challenges to achieve as much independence as possible in their daily activities.
We help patients using goal-oriented activities to evaluate and treat the daily living skills needed to fully function in their home, work and community. Occupational therapy can be appropriate for various diagnoses, including brain injury, stroke, arthritis, amputations and work-related injuries.
Occupational therapists also offer treatment for hand and upper extremity conditions, such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, tendonitis, fractures, strains/sprains and arthritic pain. Our specialized staff is trained in providing customized orthotics and implementing techniques and technology to reduce pain and improve function. Occupational Therapists can also provide skilled recommendations on equipment needs and home modifications to assist patients in developing strategies to compensate for permanent loss of function.
Ergonomics is the science that seeks to fit the job or task to the individual rather than expecting the individual to conform to the job or task. It seeks to adapt work or working conditions to suit the worker.
With a customized workstation assessment, we can:
- Adjust your workstation to fit you
- Position your wrists correctly to avoid stress and strain
- Learn simple exercises that benefit you while using a computer
- Provide advice and help for the prevention and remediation of computer related injuries
- Learn solutions for worksite issues and how to reduce risk factors for injury
We have experience with office ergonomic limitations and can help groups and individuals work with greater comfort and efficiency in offices and other work environments. Let us teach you the many tricks we know for helping people outsmart workstation problems, from applying simple rearrangements and special techniques, to making equipment decisions and reorganizing how work is done.
Adirondack Health has a team of qualified occupational therapists and a certified hand therapist who provide specialized rehabilitation to the wrist and hand. A Certified Hand Therapist has undergone a formal credentialing process including advanced training and a rigorous exam to achieve the recognized indicator of a high level of competence in hand therapy practice.
Hand therapy is the art and science of evaluating and treating injuries and conditions of the upper extremity. Hand therapy uses a variety of therapeutic interventions to help a person return to their highest level of function. It evolved from the need for a specialist with the knowledge and experience required to manage the challenging recovery of complex hand and upper extremity injuries.
What is an Orthosis?
An orthosis (commonly called a splint or brace) is an orthopedic device used to support, align, prevent or correct deformities, or improve function of parts of the body. Most people are familiar with foot orthotics which is one type of orthosis.
Orthoses for the upper extremity can be used to immobilize or limit motions, control or guide motions, or provide support and protection for acute or chronic injuries of the upper arm, elbow, forearm, wrist, thumb or fingers.
An occupational therapist is trained in the fabrication of custom orthoses for the upper extremity based on a physician’s referral, and an evaluation of each person’s specific needs. Some examples of conditions that may need a custom orthosis include healing fractures, nerve or tendon injuries, sprains, and arthritis.
A prefabricated (off the shelf) orthosis may also be sufficient in providing the level of support the patient needs for the current injury. The therapist would instruct the client how apply the orthosis correctly, make any adjustments as needed and explain when the patient should be wearing the orthosis.
Occupational therapists help clients return to performing self-care, work and recreational activities after injury, surgery or illness. Since function of your arm is critical in the participation of these activities, some Occupational Therapists specialize in elbow, wrist and hand rehabilitation.
Injuries may be a result of a trauma or accident such as wrist and finger fractures, sprains, or nerve and tendon injuries. Other conditions may be a result of arthritis or repetitive stress to the upper extremity including carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel and tennis or golfer’s elbow.
Occupational therapists use manual techniques and therapeutic activities, teach exercises, apply modalities, and fit or create custom orthoses (splints) to help the injury heal and to protect it from additional injury.
Lymphedema is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in an arm or leg that can occur after the removal or blockage of lymph nodes. Lymphedema can be uncomfortable or even painful, leading to difficulties with daily activities. A therapist that is certified in the LeDuc method will complete an evaluation and establish an individualized treatment plan of symptom control and self-management that best meets the patient's needs and goals.
This treatment is usually covered by health insurance plans. As with any treatment, we recommend that patients call their insurance company for details regarding specific coverage.
Inpatient occupational therapy staff performs an evaluation and treatments during your hospital stay to help you safely return home. We work with you to build the skills and techniques required to complete your activities of daily living which include bathing, dressing, and toileting. We assist all patients who are unable or require increased assistance to complete these daily tasks due to illness or a recent surgery. Our goal is to help patients return to their prior level of function in an environment that is safe for them.
