A registered Occupational Therapist (OTR) will complete a comprehensive and detailed evaluation and assessment to determine areas of dysfunction or limitations. Once a plan of care has been established, either the OTR or Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) will administer therapeutic techniques to prevent further dysfunction and improve the patient’s performance in the area of activities of daily living, home management, vocational activities/vocational performance and other areas.

     Occupational therapy can address many conditions such as stroke, neurological conditions (Parkinson, MS, ALS), traumatic injuries, amputations, arthritis (both osteoarthritis, rheumatoid), pain syndromes, musculoskeletal disorders and cumulative trauma disorders (carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, rotator cuff tendonitis, DeQuervains tenosynivitis). Workplace and worksite conditions can be assessed with ergonomics, body mechanics and work stations evaluations.

     Occupational therapy provides treatments in a variety of settings. At Windber Medical Center, we offer occupational therapy to inpatients, home health and outpatients. A patient may require OT while in the hospital, followed by home health after discharge from the hospital and finally in the outpatient setting. Sometimes the patient is seen by the same therapist throughout the continuum of care.

     Occupational Therapy uses a variety of treatment techniques to assist with daily living activities (grooming, bathing, dressing, functional mobility, etc.) work and productive areas (home management, home maintenance, meal prep, vocational activities, work or job performance, etc.) Treatment techniques may consist of musculoskeletal, sensory awareness/processing, cognitive, therapeutic exercise, modalities and kinesiology technique.

What is Kinesiology?

     Kinesiology is an advanced muscle energy technique that uses postural and spinal analysis to check for muscle imbalances that cause musculoskeletal pain. Muscle testing is then used to verify the muscle imbalances and areas of dysfunction. The muscle imbalances are then corrected to alleviate musculoskeletal pain. The muscles are treated with neurolymphatic/neurovascular points, acupressure points, spinal subluxations and muscle energy techniques.

Does my insurance cover OT?

     Most major health insurance carriers cover occupational therapy services. It is recommended that you contact your insurance carrier and verify your coverage, any co-pays that you may have, the number of sessions the insurance program allows, and any other questions you have.

Our Team

     Our team, with 30 years of combined experience, consists of a Registered Occupational Therapist and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants.

The members also have many specialty training areas including:

• Peripheral Nerve Injuries

• Ergonomics

• Work Hardening/Conditioning

• Korean Hand Therapy (form of Acupressure)

• Applied Kinesiology (a form of Muscle Energy Techniques)

• Myofacial Release I & II

• Pelvic, Cranial, and Sacral Release

• Neuro-Development Treatments

• Laser Therapy

• Ultrasound for the upper extremities

• Sensory Integration with children and adolescents

     The Team uses a combination of these techniques to treat a variety of patients ranging from children to senior citizens and a variety of diagnosis, from musculoskeletal disorders to developmental delays and sensory processing/integration disorders.