Occupational therapy (OT) is dedicated to improving the skills required for the “job” of everyday living. As a result of injury, declining health, congenital disorders or acquired illnesses, these everyday jobs may become difficult for an individual to accomplish. OT works with the patient to restore functional abilities such as dressing, grooming, meal preparation, return to leisure activities and return to work. It may require a different method but maximizing independence in these everyday jobs is the goal of OT. Services are provided at Meadville Medical Center for inpatients and outpatients, pediatrics to geriatrics. An evaluation leads to an individualized treatment plan for each patient.
Around MMC, you’ll find occupational therapists providing treatment in other departments, including Stepping Stones (drug and alcohol rehab), inpatient mental health, transitional, acute, and outpatient care, general surgery, and pulmonary rehabilitation.
Typical Diagnoses Treated Through OT
Some diagnoses include:
- Neurological – Stroke, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, pediatric cerebral palsy, developmental delay, autism / autistic spectrum disorders
- Orthopedic– Hip fracture, hip / knee replacement, hand injuries, cumulative trauma disorders
- Other– Arthritis, debilitation following chemo / renal disease, decreased health following prolonged illness / hospitalization
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a physician or a physician extender must refer you for occupational therapy.
Occupational therapy addresses the jobs we do each day as part of living, from getting out of bed, to getting dressed, to getting back into bed at the end of the day. All of these activities are the jobs of everyday living.
Every child has an occupation or job. A child’s occupation is to grow, learn, do schoolwork and play. OT helps children who have a physical, sensory, or cognitive disability carry out everyday activities like putting on shoes, socks and brushing their teeth. Some occupational therapists help kids create alternate ways to play popular games they might miss out on because of their illness or injury. Many work with kids who need help with their handwriting or in developing learning strategies to help them remain focused in class and get their homework done.
Occupational Therapy Locations
