Orthopedics Occupational Therapy
Hoag occupational therapists are key members of the orthopedic health care
team. Their role is to improve movement, restore function and relieve
pain. Through evaluation and individualized treatment programs, occupational
therapists can treat existing problems and provide preventative health
care for people with a variety of needs.
Hoag’s certified hand therapists work closely with the physician,
patient and family to provide evaluation and treatment for the following
upper extremity diagnoses and injuries:
- Fracture, dislocation and subluxation of fingers, hand, wrist and elbow
- Tendon and ligamentous injuries of the wrist and hand
- Amputation
- Arthritis
- Upper extremity peripheral neuropathy
- Dupuytren’s disease
- Cumulative trauma disorder/repetitive strain injury
After an initial evaluation, the occupational therapist develops a treatment
plan to address each patient’s individual needs. Treatment is dependent
upon physician order, diagnosis, and symptoms but may include the following:
- Exercises for strength, flexibility and conditioning
- Joint and soft tissue mobilization
- Activities of daily living training
- Edema management
- Modalities
- Splinting
- Work station ergonomics
- Patient, family and caregiver education