Overcoming your limitations with
a combined approach to therapy
Whether you suffer from a minor injury such as a sprain or recovering from a more serious condition like a stroke, the first place many physicians point you towards is a
physical therapist. Often, patients stop there, but to help you return to the things you love, you may need the assistance of an occupational therapist.
“By approaching your therapy as a team and working side-by-side, physical and occupational therapists can better serve your needs by helping your body recover while educating you on the best way to return to the activities you love,” said
Heather Werenski, MOTR, OTR/L, an occupational therapist at Swedish Hospital. “Through an individualized treatment plan, we can help you return to your passions and meet your recovery goals.”
What is…
Physical Therapy
The goal of physical therapy is to help you acquire safe and beneficial exercise to reduce pain, increase strength and mobility and prevent future injury or re-injury. Physical therapy may involve guided exercises for strength, flexibility and balance; education on proper body mechanics and injury prevention and family and caregiver education to ensure you get the support you need at home.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy applies principles that align with physical therapy to a functional approach. An occupational therapist begins by getting to know what you would like to return to? They know that you are an individual with your own goals and passions, and they work with you to help you achieve these.
Inpatient occupational therapists work to assist patients in returning to tasks essential to independence through the completion of everyday activities, or activities of daily living (ADLs). For patients with acute care needs, the focus is developing the strength and coordination to complete self-care activities such as bathing, dressing and grooming and remaining cognitively aware to properly administer their medication.
On a more outpatient basis, therapists evaluate your condition based on the activities you would like to return to. For example, runners and dancers will receive follow different regimens to help regain strength and proper technique in the relevant areas.
For more information on physical and occupational therapy, visit the
rehabilitation services page.
To schedule an appointment with outpatient rehabilitation services, call
773-878-6888.
By David Modica | Published December 13, 2016
