Those who benefit from occupational therapy vary widely in age, profession and health status, and include those with:
- Work-related injuries (repetitive stress injuries, such as carpal tunnel and tendinitis)
- Limitations following a stroke or heart attack
- Mental health or behavioral problems, including Alzheimer's, schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder
- Birth injuries
- Learning or developmental disabilities
- Substance abuse
- Eating disorders
- Broken bones or other injuries from falls, sports injuries or accidents
- Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis and other chronic conditions
- Burns
- Amputations
- Spinal cord injuries
- Vision or cognitive problems that compromise the ability to function safely
Inpatient Occupational Therapy
Our staff evaluates and treats hospitalized patients for:
- Trauma (spinal cord injury, head trauma, amputation)
- Orthopaedic problems (fractures, joint replacements)
- Neurologic impairments (stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease)
- Surgery
- Cardiac disease
- Cancer
- Critical care
- General medical conditions
Patients receive therapy in either the gym or in their hospital room.
Treatment can include:
- Activities of daily living (dressing, self feeding, bathing)
- Cognitive retraining following a stroke or other brain injury
- Visual skills retraining
- Exercises to improve arm and hand function
Our inpatient gym has a tub for patient to practice bathroom safety before going home.
Outpatient Occupational Therapy
Outpatient Occupational Therapy provides evaluation and treatment to a variety of patients. Your insurance may require a prescription from your doctor to cover occupational therapy. Occupational Therapy is available at two convenient locations - Akron General Medical Center and Akron General's Health & Wellness Center - West.
Frequently treated problems include:
- Arthritis
- Head or spinal cord injuries
- Amputation
- Upper extremity injuries, including tendon lacerations, fractures and over-use injuries
- Neurologic problems such as stroke, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's disease
- Balance, dizziness and visual problems
Specialized services include:
- Static and dynamic splint fabrication
- Functional capacity testing
- Work simulation activities using the BTE™
- Program for hand and arm injuries with a certified hand therapist on staff
Hand Rehabilitation
Our hand therapy provided by certified hand therapists and occupational therapists focuses on improving hand and upper extremity impairments, such as decreased range of motion, limited strength and pain. These impairments, all of which can stem from a wide variety of conditions or injuries, can lead to difficulty performing daily activities.
Symptoms and conditions commonly treated, but not limited to, include:
- Cumulative Trauma Disorders
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Wrist & Hand Dysfunction
- Flexor & Extensor Tendon Injuries
- Inflammatory & Degenerative Arthritis
- Hand & Joint Stiffness
- Peripheral Nerve Compression & Disease
- Fractures/Dislocations/Joint Instabilities
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
- Amputations
- Dupuytren's Contracture
- Infections
- Thermal Injuries
- Tumors & Cysts
- Multiple System Trauma
Functional Capacity Evaluation
The Akron General Medical Center Outpatient Rehabilitation Department is the only facility in the Akron/Canton region that is certified to perform the Isernhagen © Work Systems Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE).
A Functional Capacity Evaluation is a physical test designed to measure a patient's physical abilities by having him/her perform various activities that simulate on-the-job work. Typically, our patients are injured workers referred by their doctor or caseworker.
The Isernhagen FCE is performed over a two-day period and measures the patient's maximum strength and tolerance to specific job related activities. Abilities tested include balance, coordination, lifting, stair and ladder climbing, sitting and standing tolerance.
The goal of the FCE is to get the patient back to work quickly and safely.
Akron General's Outpatient Occupational Therapy Department treats patients covered by:
- Medicare
- Private insurance including HMOs and PPOs
- Worker's Compensation programs
Be sure to check with your insurance company to see if Akron General Medical Center is your preferred provider.
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