A Reason To Celebrate

April is National Occupational Therapy Month … that may not mean much to you now, but very likely it will someday in your future. This year’s theme is living life to its fullest! An Occupational Therapist can help with common upper extremity and hand conditions like arthritis, tendonitis, or repetitive strain which could limit you from doing the activities you enjoy.

So what does an Occupational Therapist do?

After assessing your condition in collaboration with your orthopedic physician, we establish a treatment plan to improve flexibility and strength, recommend and fabricate an orthosis to support the joints of the wrist, hand, or fingers to reduce pain/swelling during activities, and educate you on joint protection techniques to reduce wear and tear of the joints during daily activities.

An Occupational Therapist may also help with rehabilitation after traumatic injuries such as fractures and tendon/nerve injuries. Most important, they provide customized, one-on-one care to help you achieve the best outcome.

What training is required to become an Occupational Therapist? More than you think. While master’s and doctoral degree programs are common, some colleges also offer combined bachelor and master’s degrees in occupational therapy. There is a focus on general anatomy, the nervous system, physiology, movement, activity, and trends in rehabilitation techniques. A certification process must also be completed before receiving state licensure.

AOTA (American Occupational Therapy Association) describes an OT visit as:

If you have a physical condition keeping you from living life to its fullest, the Occupational Therapists at Sarasota Orthopedic Associates can help. For an appointment, call 941.951.BONE or schedule through our website at www.SOA.md. We have locations in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, and Venice. Our mission is to get you back on your feet, back to work, back in the game, and back to life.

You Might Also Enjoy...

7 Key Benefits of Physical Therapy for Joint Pain

Joint pain occurs from both acute injuries and degenerative conditions like arthritis. Though in pain, controlled movement of the joint may be a crucial part of your recovery. Physical therapy offers a range of benefits to relieve your discomfort.

5 Signs It May Be Time to Consider a Hip Replacement

While joint replacement surgery can be life changing, it’s still a major event that requires careful planning. Timing a hip replacement demands the balance of a range of factors, usually decided in discussions between patient and surgeon.

I've Been Hurt on the Job: What Should I Do Now?

No one looks forward to being hurt on the job. In Florida, most employers purchase worker’s compensation insurance coverage to protect their employees in the event of an accident. A claim can cover lost wages and medical care.

How Can I Help Prepare My Child for an MRI?

Having a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan isn’t an everyday experience. The machine may seem more movie set than medical equipment, with a soundtrack of loud mechanical noises. It can be a frightening experience for a child.