Occupational/Rehabilitation Therapy
Mercy Occupational Therapy
When you're recovering from an orthopedic injury, everyday tasks can feel much more difficult. An occupational therapist can help you get your independence back.
If your injury is severe and requires surgery, working with an occupational therapist after your operation will be a significant part of your recovery. At Mercy, we prioritize finding the right specialist for your specific needs.
Once you've met with a doctor, you'll have access to Mercy's vast network of providers and specialists, including pediatric occupational therapists, who can help you get the care you need quickly.
Plus, you can message your care team directly on MyMercy+, a free app that helps you access all your medical information.
Occupational Therapy vs. Physical Therapy
Many people think physical therapy and occupational therapy are the same thing. While they share many similarities, there are some important key differences to point out.
Occupational therapists focus on getting patients back to doing their day-to-day activities, like cooking a meal or driving to work, without pain or discomfort. Physical therapists, on the other hand, focus on restoring patients' ability to move, improving their motor skills to help prevent further injury.
Both therapies are important for any patient rehabilitating an orthopedic injury or condition. Thanks to Mercy's integrated network of providers, we can set you up with the right specialist for your recovery.
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy (OT) is a type of physical rehabilitation. Every day, most people brush their teeth, prepare food and go to work, never giving these tasks a second thought. But for someone with a debilitating injury, disease or disability, performing these activities can be extremely challenging.
Mercy occupational therapists work with patients of all ages. They help individuals redevelop and maintain necessary life and work skills to overcome their physical limitations, making everyday tasks more manageable.
Occupational therapy sessions at Mercy may involve a wide range of different therapies and OT treatments, including:
- Therapeutic intervention to retrain, to improve basic functions of everyday life
- Assessment of cognitive abilities and visual perception skills at work and home
- Use of assistive devices to increase independence
- Upper extremity strengthening and coordination
- Construction of orthotic devices to assist with hand and upper extremity functionality
- Wheelchair evaluations
- Driving evaluations, including a clinical assessment and real-world driving training program
No matter what’s keeping you from getting around and getting things done, Mercy’s physical therapists can help you overcome it.
What Is Orthopedic Rehabilitation?
Orthopedic rehabilitation, also known as physical therapy, treats muscle, bone and joint problems. This rehabilitation is performed by licensed health professionals called physical therapists, or PTs. Your PT will work to manage your pain and may help you to:
- Restore your mobility after an injury, such as a torn meniscus or sprained ankle
- Help you safely get back on your feet following joint replacement surgery
- Improve your ability to function with a painful medical condition such as arthritis or spinal stenosis
- Prevent loss of mobility following a serious illness or injury, like an amputation
To help you manage your pain and improve your strength, flexibility, range of motion, balance and coordination, we:
- Teach you therapeutic exercises
- Perform manual therapy, including joint and muscle massage
- Apply heat packs or cold compresses to relieve pain or swelling
- Teach you how to use assistive devices, including crutches, braces or an artificial limb
- Use occupational therapy to rebuild strength and function in your hands and fingers
- Provide health and safety information, including home exercise instructions
Orthopedic conditions and injuries can be extremely disruptive to your normal routine and life. With years of experience across many specialties, our care team is standing by, ready to assist you on your road to recovery. Make an appointment today with a Mercy occupational therapist near you.
