The occupational
therapy department at UPMC St. Margaret, part of the UPMC
Institute for Rehabilitation and Research, helps people return
to their normal level of function in their activities of daily
living (ADLs) which can include focus on eating, bathing, dressing,
writing, cooking, or driving. Work activities may also be addressed,
as would leisure activities.
The occupational
therapy department serves patients of most ages. Impairments treated
include: orthopaedic injuries, work-related injuries, arthritis,
effects of aging,
or recovering from an injury such as a stroke
or automobile accident.
Based on the
patient’s individualized occupational therapy plan, rehabilitation
may include training in ways to perform daily tasks more effectively
and safely, therapeutic exercise or activities, hand therapy,
and education.
During the
initial visit, a registered and licensed occupational therapist
will evaluate the problem and work with the patient to establish
goals for treatment. The experienced staff works closely with
a patient’s physician to provide continuity of care. State-of-the-art
equipment and intervention allows patients to perform highly defined
movements and exercises that measure their rehabilitation progress.