Occupational Therapy

Splinting is the use of thermoplastic material to hold a person’s arm, hand, or finger in a specific position. This material softens in warm water for molding and hardens as it cools. Our occupational therapists are trained to design and create custom splints to address a wide spectrum of joint disorders. Along with custom splints, neoprene splints made from an elastic material are utilized for providing gentle joint support when restriction of motion is not necessary.

Workplace ergonomics focuses on designing workspaces, products, and systems to create the safest and most efficient environment possible. Ergonomics is crucial in preventing injuries, decreasing further injuries, and helping everyone work smarter rather than harder. Occupational therapists are instrumental in improving workplace ergonomics by providing the following:

• Ergonomic Assessments
• Personalized Recommendations
• Employee Training and Education

Occupational therapists assist the elderly population in overcoming physical challenges and promoting independence in their daily activities. They provide instruction on self-care tasks, such as cooking, grooming, and dressing, and support seniors in adapting to physical and social changes following an injury or illness. Most importantly, occupational therapists help enhance flexibility, self-sufficiency, and overall well-being for elderly individuals.

Hand Therapy is a specialized form of Occupational Therapy that focuses on rehabilitation for injuries and chronic conditions affecting the hands, wrists, and upper limbs. These conditions can be the result of acute or chronic conditions. Hand Therapy helps patients return to their productive lifestyles and often starts with an initial evaluation. The evaluation will help the therapist learn your symptoms, your baseline function, and your desired goals. Afterward, they will create a plan with goals and a timeline to help you reach your desired level of function. Common injuries that may require Hand Therapy include the following:

• Amputation
• Arthrosis/Arthritis
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
• Fractures
• Hyposensitivity or Hypersensitivity
• Lacerations/Lesions (tears of the skin, nerves, tendons, muscles, or ligaments of the hand or wrist)
• Overuse (injuries due to repetitive movement such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome)
• Sprains
• Tendinopathy
• Tendinitis
• Wounds

Lymphedema Therapy provides an in-depth, thorough evaluation of the affected limb(s) with the goals of establishing complete decongestion through manual lymphatic drainage, lymphedema compression bandaging, exercise, skin and nail care, and instructions in self-care. Additionally, an emphasis is placed on patient education and long-term management to improve appearance, increase function, and prevent further progression of the swelling through the use of daily compression.

Lymphedema is an abnormal accumulation of protein-rich fluid which causes chronic inflammation and swelling of the affected area. It presents itself in both women and men, in upper and lower extremities, and can occur following surgeries, trauma, disease, or radiation therapy. Common subjective complaints include heaviness, stiffness, tightness, or fullness. Lymphedema may also be associated or combined with other diseases including obesity, massive localized lymphedematous lobules, lipo-lymphedema, chronic venous insufficiency, and post-surgical and post-traumatic edema.

LSVT BIG is an intensive, effective, one-on-one treatment designed to help individuals with Parkinson's disease and other neurological conditions improve their walking, balance, daily living activities, and even job-related tasks. LSVT BIG operates on the principle of "recalibration," aiming to retrain the brain in the perception and execution of movement.

The LSVT BIG program is a standardized treatment protocol that consists of exercises and movements that emphasize the AMPLITUDE of movement, in an effort to retrain the way you performs tasks. The recommended plan of care involves four consecutive days of sessions for four weeks to ensure optimal effectiveness. After sessions, patients are provided with instructions for at-home exercises and tasks to facilitate the application of BIG ideas practiced during clinic sessions.

Our occupational therapists are trained to analyze individual factors that affect our patients’ performance in daily activities. Parkinson's disease manifests uniquely for each individual, but the most prevalent symptoms include small, shuffling steps, decreased gait speed, and tremors.

Pediatric Occupational Therapy offers treatment for a wide variety of diagnoses and special needs for children. Pediatric occupational therapists provide treatment to help children meet developmental milestones, overcome sensory challenges, and improve self-care, play, and self-regulation skills. SRMC provides skilled therapy in a safe, welcoming environment. Our pediatric therapists truly love helping children. Together, we are committed to providing comprehensive, multidisciplinary care in an environment where children can achieve their goals and reach their fullest potential. Each child enrolled in pediatric occupational therapy will have their own individualized goals to meet their needs after a full evaluation.

We offer FREE developmental screening for children ages 0-18 years old. During your child’s 15-minute screening, you will be able to ask our qualified therapists questions regarding your child’s current skills and the possible benefits of therapy. They will help you to determine if your child could benefit from further evaluation and treatment.

Our trained occupational therapists are happy to help children achieve goals related to fine motor skills, sensory processing, activities of daily living, and feeding. Children, including those with special needs, could benefit from occupational if they have the following difficulties:

• Difficulty using utensils, a toothbrush, a hairbrush, etc.
• Difficulty using scissors or writing
• Difficulty feeding, such as gagging, picky eating, or refusal of foods
• Difficulty learning (cognitive skills)
• Difficulty playing (social and emotional skills)
• Difficulty with buttoning, tying shoes, or managing zippers and snaps
• Difficulty with attention, following directions, and/or transitioning between activities
• Sensory processing difficulties, such as trouble tolerating certain smells, sounds, environments, or aversions to certain clothing or textures

Our occupational therapy practitioners focus on helping students achieve in all school areas and activities. This type of therapy can help your child in a variety of areas: academics, play and leisure, social participation, self-care skills (Acts of Daily Living), and transition/work skills. Occupational therapy utilizes activity and environmental assessment to modify barriers and minimize barriers to participation. Occupational therapy practitioners provide a continuum of service and support to students and personnel under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the reauthorization of Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), most recently enacted as the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which includes the following:

• Participating on collaborative teams
• Partnering with districts
• Providing services for individual students in special education
• Providing services for struggling learners in general education
• Providing training and resources for school personnel and families