Occupational Therapy
Conditions We Treat
Arthritis
Arthritis is the inflammation of one or more joints, causing pain and stiffness. There are two main types of arthritis: osteoarthritis, which causes the cartilage (cushioning) in the joints to break down, and rheumatoid, an autoimmune disorder that targets a joints lining.
Go to Detail PageBone and Joint Replacement
After bone or joint replacement surgery, specific exercises can help increase range of motion and flexibility, as well as strengthen the muscles while you get used to your new bone or joint. Your doctor, physical therapist, or occupational therapist can help develop an individualized exercise program that meets your needs and lifestyle.
Go to Detail PageCarpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpel tunnel syndrome is the compression of the median nerve which runs from the arm to the hand through the carpal tunnel. The median nerve controls the muscles around the base of the thumb. The tendons that bend the fingers and thumb, called flexor tendons, also travel through the carpal tunnel. When the median nerve is pinched or compressed, numbness, tingling, and pain can occur in the arm and hand. There are a wide range of causes of carpal tunnel syndrome, including: anatomical issues (small wrists), heredity, certain inflammatory conditions, pregnancy and its related hormonal imbalances, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid gland imbalance, age, and repetitive movement such as operating a jackhammer.
Go to Detail PageDe Quervain's Tendonitis
Tendinosis (or tendonitis) means inflammation of a tendon; De Quervain's tendinosis is the irritation or inflammation of the tendons that run along the base of the thumb. Symptoms include pain and tenderness in the thumb and side of the wrist that can travel up the arm, particularly when gripping or twisting the wrist. Overuse can cause De Quervain's tendinosis, as can pregnancy and its related hormonal changes, and rheumatoid arthritis. This condition is most common in middle-aged women.
Go to Detail PageDistal Humerus Fracture (Broken Elbow)
A distal humerus fracture is a break in the lower end of the upper arm bone (humerus), one of the three bones that come together to form the elbow joint. A fracture in this area can be very painful and make moving the elbow impossible.
Go to Detail PageElbow (Olecranon) Fracture
An olecranon (oh-LEK-rah-nun) fracture is a break in the bony "tip" of the elbow. This pointy segment of bone is part of the ulna, one of the three bones that come together to form the elbow joint.
Go to Detail PageElbow Fracture
Elbow fractures are common childhood injuries, accounting for about 10% of all childhood fractures. In many cases, a simple fracture will heal well with conservative cast treatment. Some types of elbow fractures, however, including those in which the pieces of bone are significantly out of place, may require surgery. Other structures in the elbow-such as nerves, blood vessels, and ligaments-may also be injured when a fracture occurs and require treatment, as well.
Go to Detail PageFlexor Tendon Injuries
Flexor tendons help control movement in the hand. An injury to the forearm, fingers, thumb, wrist, or hand can damage the flexor tendons and affect movement. Symptoms include pain and the inability to move the hand, fingers, or thumbs. Injuries are usually caused by a deep cut, or an athletic injury, but rheumatoid arthritis can also weaken the flexor tendons, causing them to tear.
Go to Detail PageLateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
Tennis elbow, commonly known as "lateral epicondylitis," is the inflammation of the tendons on forearm muscles outside the elbow. Repeated, strong movement of the forearm like with tennis and other racquet sports, and activities like carpentry, painting, plumbing, and cooking can cause tennis elbow. Symptoms can increase over time and include pain and/or a burning sensation in the elbow area or weakness in gripping something.
Go to Detail PageMallet Finger
Mallet finger, also known as baseball finger, happens when the tendon on top of the hand that straightens the finger (extensor tendon) sustains an injury, stopping the finger from straightening all the way and causing the tip to droop.
Go to Detail PageMultiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (also known as MS), is a disease that affects the central nervous system, which is made up of the brain and spinal cord. It is caused by a dysregulated immune system that attacks myelin in the body, the protective covering of nerve cells. The damage to myelin causes poor communication between the brain and the body, leading to temporary or permanent disability.
Go to Detail PageOsteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis worldwide. In people with osteoarthritis, the body's ability to repair joints can't keep up with joint damage. This eventually involves all joint tissues and leads to a loss of cartilage and bone changes. The tissue damage cannot be reversed, but symptoms can be effectively managed.
Go to Detail PageOveractive Bladder Disorder (OAB)
Overactive bladder can cause the sudden urge to urinate which can be difficult to control. It often causes frequent urination (more than 8 times in 24 hours), nighttime urination, and sometimes urinary leakage. PT can help change voiding (urinating patterns) by timing voids during the day, making changes to drinking/eating habits, and learning to hold the bladder using pelvic floor muscles.
Go to Detail PageParkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease is a neurological disorder that disrupts normal function and communication between brain cells. It gets worse over time and mostly affects older adults (and more men than women). Common symptoms are tremor, muscle stiffness, slowness of movement and stooped posture.
Go to Detail PagePelvic Organ Prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse is when the uterus, bladder, or rectum "drops" down onto the vaginal canal. This can cause pain, heaviness, or sense of something bulging in pelvis. PT can help educate patient on posture and body mechanics to avoid worsening of symptoms. Exercises can also help strengthen the pelvis and abdomen to help manage this condition.
Go to Detail PageRadial Head Fracture
While trying to break a fall with your hands may seem instinctive, the force of the fall could travel up your forearm bones and dislocate your elbow. It also could break the smaller bone (radius) in your forearm. Fractures of the radius often occur in the part of the bone near the elbow, called the radial "head."
Go to Detail PageRheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common type of autoimmune arthritis. It is caused when the immune system (the body's defense system) is not working properly. RA causes pain and swelling in the wrist and small joints of the hand and feet. Treatments for RA can stop joint pain and swelling, as well as prevent joint damage.
Go to Detail PageShoulder Fracture
A shoulder fracture, or broken shoulder, is when one of the three bones that make up the shoulder breaks.
Go to Detail PageStroke
There are two major types of stroke: hemorrhagic and ischemic. A hemorrhagic stroke refers to bleeding occurring in the brain or in the space surrounding the brain (subarachnoid hemorrhage). An ischemic stroke occurs when there is occlusion of a blood vessel, resulting in lack of blood supply to an area of the brain and death of brain tissue (infarction).
Go to Detail PageWrist (Distal Radius) Fracture
The radius is the larger of the two bones of the forearm. The end toward the wrist is called the distal end. A fracture of the distal radius occurs when the area of the radius near the wrist breaks.
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