Occupational Therapy

Whether you’ve experienced an injury, illness or disabling condition, research shows the sooner you begin rehabilitation, the better your recovery will be.

Occupational Therapy at Mary Free Bed

Mary Free Bed offers inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services to help you recover safely and quickly. There are several types of therapies, and the benefits of each vary from person to person. Our interdisciplinary teams work together. Depending on your goals, therapy may include:

While each one serves a specific purpose, they all share the same goal – to help you get better so you can enjoy life.

What is Occupational Therapy?

Let’s start by explaining what an occupation is, because it’s not just what you do for work. Occupations are everyday activities – showering, toileting, hygiene, dressing, brushing your teeth, hair care, making meals, house cleaning chores, doing laundry.

It’s managing your medications. Participating in school. Doing your job. Caring for others. It’s doing what matters to you.

Occupational therapy helps you accomplish these tasks and activities when an illness, injury or disability has made it difficult to do so. It helps restore your independence in different ways. Occupational therapy can:

Teach you how to get ready for the day.
Provide the skills your child needs to participate in school.
Help you regain the skills you need to return to work.
Offer adaptations and educate you on use of assistive devices to make daily tasks easier.

Who is eligible for occupational therapy?

You may benefit from occupational therapy if you’ve experienced, among others:

Stroke

Amputation

Brain Injury

Cancer

Spinal Cord Injury

Orthopedic Conditions Caused by Injury or Surgery

Chronic Pain

Functional Limitations Anywhere from the Shoulder to the Fingers

Lymphedema

Musculoskeletal Conditions, such as Back and Neck Pain

Neurological Conditions, such as Multiple Sclerosis or Neuropathy

Balance Issues

Burns

Diabetes

What to Expect

Our occupational therapists have extensive training and experience treating patients with a variety of conditions. Many OTs at Mary Free Bed hold specialty certifications in specific diagnoses, including Parkinsons and lymphedema.

You’ll work closely with an occupational therapist with expertise in your condition to identify goals and craft a customized treatment plan to meet them. This includes:

Evaluation of your skills
Restorative therapy techniques to improve range of motion
Help with regaining coordination
Use of specialized rehabilitation technology
Exercises to improve strength and flexibility
Recommendations for adaptive devices and strategies to accomplish tasks
Education for loved ones

Services also may include recommendations for home adaptations, if necessary.

Post-professional Clinical Training for OTs

Mary Free Bed is a teaching hospital and home to a neurologic occupational therapy fellowship that provides advanced post-professional clinical training for occupational therapists. Many member of our occupational therapy team serve as faculty.

Occupational Therapy Services

Balance + Fall Prevention

Mary Free Bed’s Balance and Fall Prevention Program can help people of all ages improve balance and build strength to help you reduce the risk of falling. Our goal is to ensure your safety so you can maintain an independent lifestyle.

Driver Readiness Evaluation

Regaining the independence of driving is a common goal following an illness or injury. We’re here to help you get back on the road with confidence. A Mary Free Bed driver pre-evaluation offers a comprehensive driving assessment for adults 18 and older.

Hand Therapy

From carpal tunnel to complex injuries, our hand therapy team specializes in treating conditions that affect your hands and arms. With personalized care, we focus on restoring strength, improving movement, and helping you get back to the activities that matter most.

Lymphedema Care

Lymphedema can affect your comfort and mobility, but you don’t have to manage it alone. Our certified lymphedema therapists provide expert care using specialized techniques like compression therapy and targeted exercises to reduce swelling and enhance your quality of life.