Occupational therapy helps individuals achieve their highest level of independence in activities of daily living (ADLs) - work, school, leisure, play and sports activities - improving one's self-esteem and sense of accomplishment. Treatment is available to all age groups, from infants to the elderly.

Occupational Therapy for Adults

For adults, occupational therapists assist the individual in achieving greater independence in all areas of life, including self-care, home management and community activities. The OTs assist people in performing these activities with the greatest extent of independence possible.

UP Health System's occupational therapists provide the following list of services and treatment for adults:

• Activities of daily living
• Activity modification
• Home safety assessments
• Community mobility and reintegration
• Ergonomic assessments and back school
• Hand and upper extremity dysfunction
• Splinting for function and movement
• Neurological impairment
• Sensory processing-visual perceptual treatment
• Chronic pain
• Energy conservation tips

Occupational Therapy for Children

Working with children differs from adults as children's "occupation" is play and learning. An occupational therapist can evaluate a child’s skills for play activities, school-related performance, and activities of daily living and compare them with what is developmentally appropriate for that age group.

UP Health System's occupational therapists provide the following list of pediatric services and treatment:

• Activities of Daily Living (ADL's)
• Self-help delays
• Handwriting
• Fine motor delays
• Developmental delays
• Sensory processing
• Strengthening
• Tone problems
• Behavioral problems
• Hand and upper extremity dysfunction