Occupational Therapy
What is occupational therapy? Most of us take for granted the skills we use in everyday living. We complete our jobs, dress, bathe and feed ourselves, cook, clean and walk without conscious thought. These seemingly simple activities are a daily challenge to someone who has had an injury, debilitating illness or other disability. Occupational therapists at MercyOne New Hampton can help restore that ability, allowing us to return to independence in all of our “occupations,” including those at home and our place of employment.
Treatment options
The occupational therapist completes a comprehensive evaluation of the individual's upper body strength, joint range of motion, coordination and ability to complete self-care and work tasks. Based on this assessment, a specific treatment plan is developed which may include activities to increase strength, range of motion, endurance, coordination, or simulate “occupational tasks.”
The therapist also may teach the client how to adapt their home or workplace or use adaptive equipment. A home exercise program may also be part of the treatment plan. Ultimately, the occupational therapist helps the individual to function at his or her highest level possible and to complete life's occupations with greater ease and independence.
Personalized treatment
Occupational therapists at MercyOne New Hampton provide personalized treatment in these areas:
- Stroke
- Fractures and injuries to the shoulder, elbow and wrist
- Specialized treatment for the hand for work injuries, trauma and disease
- Hip and knee replacement
- Arthritis
- Lymphedema
- Occupational therapy for children
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Home safety evaluations
- Bathing, dressing, toileting, homemaking tasks
- Splinting (elbow, wrist, hand, foot)
- Wheelchair assessment and positioning
- Nursing home consultation
Pediatric Occupational Therapy
Pediatric Occupational Therapists works with children to develop foundational skills needed to participate in everyday tasks at home and within the community. Pediatric occupational therapists work with children and the caregiver to develop personalized goals that meet the needs of the child. Some common conditions occupational therapists work with are, but not limited to, ADHD, developmental delay, intellectual disability, fine and/or gross motor delay, and sensory processing disorder. An occupational therapist is skilled in providing treatment that focuses on promoting participation and independence in everyday tasks. For children, this may include with self-cares, emotional regulation, sensory processing, attention, fine and gross motor skills, and social skills.
Contact us
Pediatric Occupational Therapy: 641-394-1639, Natalie.martinson@mercyone.org
Adult Occupational Therapy: 641-394-1946
