Until personally needing occupational therapy, one might think that the services have something to do with work. However, occupational therapy and occupational medicine are two distinctly different areas of health care. Occupational medicine is a specialty practiced by physicians and advanced practice providers focused on preventing or treating work-related injuries and managing workplace safety, while occupational therapy focuses on rehabilitation to help individuals regain independence to complete daily tasks and improve overall quality of life.
An individual who suffers from an accident, injury or illness may lose the ability to do daily activities like getting dressed, taking a bath or eating on their own. When a person has difficulties with these everyday tasks (occupations), they are a candidate for occupational therapy. Individuals with physical or developmental disabilities can also benefit from occupational therapy to learn how to perform life skills. Even attention disorders can be managed through occupational therapy.
Occupational therapists can help provide patients with functional independence in several ways, including:
- Providing exercises to help execute daily activities
- Recommending modifications and teach safe practices after a fall
- Creating splints and orthoses
- Assisting with obtaining and using adaptive equipment
- Teaching techniques to aid in memory, concentration and executive function
Occupational therapy is sometimes lumped with physical therapy (PT), a different area of health. However, it is not uncommon for a patient to require both services during their rehabilitation journey. While PT focuses on gross motor skills and using large muscles in arms, legs and the torso, occupational therapy works on fine motor skills of the fingers and wrists. The broad spectrum of occupational therapy calls for therapists who can manage many conditions while also specializing in patients’ specific needs.
Jill Nail and Megan Shaver are two Logan Health occupational therapists who work outpatient at Logan Health Rehabilitation Whitefish, a clinic located on the south end of the hospital campus. Nail works with all ages and specializes in pediatric occupational therapy.
“I love working with people one-on-one and helping them recognize their progress over time,” said Nail. “I love making therapy fun with humor, laughter and play.”
Shaver joined the Whitefish team in late January. She also works with all ages and specializes in upper extremity rehabilitation. In addition to Whitefish, Shaver works alongside orthopedic hand specialists at the Kalispell “hand therapy clinic” in 350 Heritage Way, and alongside Logan Health hand surgeon Heidi Shors, MD, seeing patients at Specialty Care – Whitefish on Baker Avenue. Her practice also includes the custom fabrication of splints or braces tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
“My favorite part of my work is building meaningful connections with patients by learning about their hobbies and passions, while working to improve functional use of the upper extremity,” Shaver shared. “I value collaborating with patients to tailor therapeutic activities and exercises to best meet their individual needs.”
Everyday routines are easy to take for granted, until injury or disfunction takes the ability to do them away. Occupational therapy helps regain function and restore independence. Learn more about the benefits of occupational therapy at logan.org/rehab.