Occupational therapists (OTs) and occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) help people perform functional tasks they want or need to do for their work, home and life roles.

What are some examples of how occupational therapists help people?

Wrist Fracture

When a person falls and fractures a wrist, he or she might have pain, limited range of motion, decreased use of the wrist/hand and difficulty performing functional tasks, such as carrying groceries or getting dressed. Occupational therapists can assist the patient by fabricating a wrist splint for protection, educating the patient on therapeutic exercises, and using manual techniques to help the individual regain range of motion. OTs may also educate the patient on use of adaptive tools or strategies to enable him or her to perform necessary tasks. After a recent wrist fracture, patients may not be able to lift heavy items for several weeks after the injury; OTs can suggest effective compensatory techniques.

Osteoarthritis in the Thumb

Another example of people who can benefit from occupational therapy, without a traumatic injury, is those with the development of osteoarthritis at the base of the thumb, often referred to as basal joint osteoarthritis or carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis (CMCJ OA). CMCJ OA would be diagnosed by a physician or another medical professional. Symptoms of CMCJ OA may be pain localized to the base of the thumb and pain that increases with use of the thumb during activities, especially pinching tasks. Other symptoms include mild swelling and subluxation (partial dislocation of bone) at the base of the thumb.

OTs can assist in decreasing the pain symptoms associated with CMCJ OA through several techniques. A small hand-based splint can be custom-fabricated for use during painful activities and/or during sleep to decrease pain. OTs can issue therapeutic exercises and activities to strengthen the thumb muscles to relieve stress on the CMCJ. Ultrasound and manual techniques, such as soft tissue mobilization and gentle joint distraction to open the joint space, can be helpful in decreasing acute arthritic pain. Additionally, education on joint protection techniques and activity modifications are also useful in decreasing pain.

What occupational therapy services are offered at Mount Sinai Beth Israel?

Occupational therapy services are staffed by occupational therapists, including certified hand therapists, who focus their treatment on orthopedic injuries of the upper extremity (elbow, forearm, wrist, fingers and thumb). The OTs at Mount Sinai Beth Israel are experts in evaluating, treating and splinting the elbow, wrist and hand.

Where is occupational therapy offered, and how can I make an appointment?

Mount Sinai Beth Israel’s occupational therapy services are located within the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at the address below:

Phillips Ambulatory Care Center (PACC)
10 Union Square East, Suite 5N
New York, NY 10003

To inquire about occupational therapy services offered or to make an appointment to see an occupational therapist, please call (212) 844-8750. A prescription for occupational therapy services is required.

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