Therapeutic training and conditioning for day-to-day life activities
The Occupational Therapy program at Southwest General is part of our extensive Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Department. The program helps patients who are coping with physical or developmental problems to successfully participate in daily living, work, school or leisure activities.
Comprehensive Treatment for Patients of All Ages
Our team of compassionate, skilled occupational therapists is experienced in providing a wide range of interventions for patients of all ages. This may include helping patients who are: recovering from injury or illness to acquire or improve skills for daily living (eating, dressing, bathing, etc.); helping patients with disabilities to successfully participate in work, school or social activities; or helping older adults as they cope with the physical and mental changes that accompany aging.
Tailored Treatment to Meet Individual Needs
We are committed to working with patients in a manner that recognizes each patient’s functional limitations but that encourages the patient to achieve his or her full potential. Each patient benefits from:
A Comprehensive Evaluation
Designed to determine the extent of each patient's limitations by assessing:
- Range of motion
- Strength
- Sensation
- Coordination
- Skin and/or wound condition
- Pain
- Swelling
- Functional posture and body mechanics
An Individualized Treatment Plan
Based on the patient’s comprehensive evaluation, our experienced occupational therapists provide a treatment plan tailored to each patient’s individual needs and goals.
Treatment for Successful Outcomes
At Southwest General, occupational therapists work with each patient to provide treatment that is carefully designed for each patient. To achieve the best possible outcomes, treatment may include a wide range of interventions designed to:
Improve Functional Skills
- Depending on the patient’s condition and limitations, we use a variety of approaches including:
- Exercises to increase range of motion and strength
- Exercises to improve feeding, fine motor, perception and cognitive skills
- Treatments to decrease pain and swelling
- Wound and skin care
- Splinting
- Return to work activities
Modify the Environment
When needed, we work with patients and families to evaluate the home, work
or school environment and make recommendations for modifications. This
may include the use of wheelchairs or other adaptive equipment to support
the patient in successfully achieving his or her goals.
Develop Alternative Approaches
In situations where strength or skills cannot be significantly improved
or fully developed, we work with patients, families and caregivers, who
are an important part of the therapy team, to develop alternative approaches
to help patients achieve specific functional goals. This may include simplification
of tasks and techniques designed to conserve energy during activities.
Throughout treatment, progress in carefully evaluated on an ongoing basis
to ensure that progress is being made in helping patients to reaching
their goals.