The Benefits of Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy (OT) can help people of all ages perform daily activities.
Occupational Therapy
Our occupational therapy program offers several specialized services to help you regain function and independence.
If you’ve lost function due to a stroke or other medical condition, an injury or surgery, the licensed occupational therapists at Henry Ford Health can help you regain function and independence, so you can return to your life at home, school or work. Occupational therapy focuses on activities of daily living (ADL), hand-eye coordination and motor skills (muscle movements).
Hand Therapy Industrial Rehabilitation Driving Evaluation Low Vision Rehabilitation
Occupational therapy: Why choose Henry Ford Health?
- Whole-person care: Our occupational therapists evaluate all the ways an injury or health condition is affecting your life. This includes assessing physical, mental and emotional barriers before working with you to develop a personalized care plan.
- Experienced team: Our licensed occupational therapists are certified by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). These skilled experts stay current on the latest evidence-based treatments, so you can receive the highest standard of care.
- Specialized services: We offer specialty therapy in many key areas, including hand therapy, low vision rehabilitation, driving evaluations and training, cancer rehabilitation, industrial rehabilitation and lymphedema therapy.
- Convenient access: With locations throughout southeast and south central Michigan and the greater Flint area, we make it easy to find an occupational therapist and get the care you need. Our large staff and extensive network mean you can get timely treatment near home, work or school.
- Transfer assistance: When necessary, your occupational therapist can help coordinate your transition from inpatient to outpatient rehabilitation.
- Integrated care and support: Your occupational therapist stays in close communication with your entire care team—including physicians, physical therapists, nurses and other providers—ensuring that everyone stays updated on your progress. We also provide support throughout treatment to help aid your recovery.
- Pediatric occupational therapy: We treat children at select outpatient locations. We also provide specialized pediatric rehabilitation at our Chesterfield Rehabilitation Clinic.
FAQs about occupational therapy treatment at Henry Ford Health
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What Conditions Do Your Occupational Therapists Treat?
Your occupational therapist can treat a wide range of conditions, including:
- Orthopedic injuries such as fractures and tendon tears
- Postoperative recovery
- Chronic pain syndromes and arthritis
- Late effects of cancer treatment, including cognitive impairment and lymphedema
- Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders
- Stroke and traumatic brain injuries
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What Treatments Does Your Occupational Therapy Team Offer?
We may recommend a combination of occupation-based treatments and therapies, including:
- Exercise training: Passive (with the assistance of your therapist) or active (unassisted) exercises enhance physical strength, range-of-motion and endurance.
- Manual therapy: Your occupational therapist uses the latest hands-on techniques to move, stretch and massage soft tissues and joints.
- Daily living modifications: We help you adjust daily activities to accommodate your unique challenges. Your occupational therapist may also recommend changes to your home environment to improve safety and prevent reinjury.
- Neuromuscular re-education: We teach your brain, nerves and muscles to work together again so you can accomplish everyday tasks. By practicing each step many times, we can sharpen the motor skills needed to complete the task.
- Splinting: We can fabricate splints and braces as needed to support healing after surgical procedures.
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What Do I Need to Start Occupational Therapy?
- Get a referral: A referral for occupational therapy that’s dated and has been signed by a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner within the last 90 days.
- Make an appointment: With this referral, you can schedule an appointment by calling one of our locations, or through your Henry Ford MyChart account.
- Provide your information: Either way, our team will gather information from you about your condition and referring provider, and will also verify your insurance coverage.
- Start your occupational therapy treatment: Then you’ll be paired with the most appropriate occupational therapist for your needs and start your therapy.
You should also plan to attend regularly scheduled occupational therapy appointments to ensure that you get the most out of treatment.
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