For millions of people, the service of occupational therapy is a lifeline. At some point in our lives, many of us will face physical or cognitive health challenges that will prevent us from being as independent and active as we'd like.
Occupational Therapy makes it possible for people facing such challenges to participate more fully in the act of living at home or school, at work and at play. Occasionally, people need occupational therapy to do things we take for granted, like getting dressed, being productive at school or work, eating unassisted, or even driving.
The Occupational Therapy team at Community Memorial Hospital works with people to address problems such as:
- Conditions that limit hand function like fractures, arthritis, or tendonitis;
- Work-related injuries such as repetitive strain injuries;
- Limitations following stroke or a head injury;
- Arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or other serious chronic conditions;
- Birth injuries, learning problems, or developmental disabilities;
- Mental health or behavioral problems including Alzheimer's, schizophrenia or post-traumatic stress;
- Burns, spinal cord injuries, or amputations;
- Orthopedic injuries such as fractures, tendon injuries or traumatic hand injuries from falls, sports injuries or accidents;
- Vision or cognitive problems that threaten a person's ability to drive or function at work or home.
CMH provides:
- Specialized custom splinting to enhance hand function;
- Specialty work injury related services, including the work injury clinic which offers Functional Capacity testing and Work Hardening/Conditioning.
CMH also offers a Certified Hand Therapist. This therapeutic and rehabilitative specialty focuses on a variety of upper extremity disorders. In addition, the CMH Occupational Therapy team offers all types of job site assessment services for area businesses to ensure the proper design of work stations and use of tools in preventing injuries and accidents.
In honor of National Occupational Therapy month and to help celebrate this important profession, the OT department will be offering hand massages to the community. The will be available the week of April 16-20.
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The cost is $15 for a 30-minute treatment. This includes a paraffin wax treatment and hand massage. Gift certificates are also available (must be redeemed April 16-20, 2007). Contact the Occupational Therapy department to schedule your appointment at 878-7040.
All proceeds will be donated to the End of Life project which is a national program offered by hospitals and nursing homes to provide a holistic experience through the end-of-life journey.
