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.)
- Patients with disabilities to successfully participate in work, school, or social activities
- 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 encourages them to achieve their full potential. Each patient benefits from:
A Comprehensive Evaluation
Individually assessing each patient's:
- Range of motion
- Strength
- Sensation
- Coordination
- Skin and/or wound condition
- Pain
- Swelling
- Functional abilities and limitations
- 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 them. 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 activities of daily living including feeding, bathing, dressing, and fine motor skills
- Treatments to decrease pain and swelling
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 their 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 task simplification and techniques designed to conserve energy during activities.
Throughout treatment, goals are carefully evaluated on an ongoing basis to ensure that progress is being made in helping patients to reach their full potential.