The occupational therapists at Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago guide people to achieve independent living. Through a hands-on approach and an individualized treatment plan, occupational therapists help people recovering from neurological and orthopedic conditions regain function so they can live life fully, safely and independently.
Therapy begins with a thorough evaluation and assessment to determine the best course of treatment. Actual therapy may include:
- Retraining on activities of daily living, such as getting dressed, preparing meals and getting in and out of bed
- Adaptive equipment to make life easier and safer, such as reachers and dressing aids
- Guided exercises for range of motion, strengthening and pain relief
- Muscle re-education techniques to retrain the brain to accomplish specific tasks
- Exercises for fine motor coordination
- Visual retraining for perception problems
- Splints to prevent or correct injury
- Work conditioning and ergonomics education
- Family and caregiver education to ensure you get the support you need
- Close coordination and communication with your primary care physician
If necessary, the therapists can evaluate the home environment and suggest specific modifications to make everyday tasks safer and easier.
Benefits Of Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy patients acquire important tools to apply to their daily life and learn how to function safely and effectively within home and work environments.
The benefits of occupational therapy apply to a wide variety of conditions and situations such as:
- Post-surgery rehabilitation for people who have had hip replacements, knee replacements, arthroscopy and other types of orthopedic surgery
- Neurological conditions such as stroke and head injury
- Degenerative conditions such as Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis
- Arthritis and lupus
- Back and neck injuries
- Amputation
- Work-related injuries
The staff also includes specialists in treating people with chronic pain, lymphedema and hand injuries.
Requirements For Occupational Therapy
Treatment length varies, as each plan is customized for the individual patient, but the goal for each patient is the same: to help you live comfortably, safely and independently.
Occupational therapy is offered on either an outpatient and inpatient basis. Therapy also is available through Home Health Care for people who are homebound. You must have a physician's order for occupational therapy. Treatment is covered by most insurance policies; check with your carrier to be sure.
