Occupational Therapy
Tailored Treatments to Help You Return to Activities
A range of injuries, illnesses and chronic conditions can affect your ability to participate in everyday activities. Occupational therapists are health care providers who offer specialized treatments that help you complete your usual activities at home, at work or in your community.
At University of Vermont Health, our team of compassionate experts is among the most knowledgeable and experienced in the region. We use evidence-based techniques that help you improve your function and increase your quality of life.
Why Choose UVM Health?
As one of the leading occupational therapy programs in Vermont and northern New York, we offer:
- Specialized expertise: Our occupational therapists have years of experience and specialized training in multiple therapy techniques. We stay on top of the latest research, giving you access to the most up-to-date treatments.
- Personalized treatment: We work with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals. Our therapists listen to your concerns, answer your questions and ensure you’re prepared to participate in your care plan.
- Care close to home: We offer occupational therapy services in several locations throughout Vermont and northern New York. No matter where you live, you’ll find convenient, expert care.
Services
Injuries and illnesses may impact your ability to perform self-care, home management activities, cooking, recreational and other tasks that were previously automatic to you.
Occupational therapists assist you in recovering these skills by providing therapeutic intervention and education in adaptive techniques and strategies. In addition, our occupational therapists offer an array of specialized services and programs.
Depending on your needs, your care may include:
Neurological injuries can affect your thinking and communication skills. Occupational therapy is an important part of your recovery. Our experts can help you improve overall function and speech, communication and thinking skills so you can participate in your daily activities.
Medical conditions and physical disabilities can affect your driving abilities. Our driver rehabilitation program offers comprehensive driving evaluations and treatments to help you achieve your highest level of function. Our team includes occupational therapists trained to understand how your medical needs may affect your driving abilities.
Falls are the leading cause of injury in older adults — but falling isn’t a normal part of aging. Our physical and occupational therapists offer comprehensive fall risk assessments and prevention strategies. We help you improve your physical fitness and reduce your risk factors to prevent falls.
A Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is a series of tests to assess your ability to perform various tasks, typically for employment. Conducted by an occupational or physical therapist, the evaluation covers lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, balance, fine motor skills and cardiovascular endurance.
This specialized form of therapy can help restore hand, wrist and elbow function after an injury or surgery. Our team includes certified hand therapists with specialized training in hand and upper extremity therapy.
Occupational therapists care for hospitalized patients after surgery, a traumatic injury, worsening of a progressive disease or the onset of a new condition. These experts help you with personal care and activities of daily living, such as dressing and grooming. Our goal is to restore your function and quality of life.
LSVT BIG™ is a specific type of therapy that helps improve motor symptoms in people with Parkinson’s disease. The technique has been shown to help with balance, walking and trunk rotation.
Lymphedema occurs when your lymphatic system doesn’t drain fluid properly, which often occurs after a tumor or radiation therapy. Our lymphedema specialists offer specialized treatments to manage your symptoms and control swelling.
Occupational therapists work with children of all ages to improve their range of motion, strength and motor skills. They may also teach strategies for tasks such as dressing, feeding or handwriting or recommend adaptive equipment to help make participation in daily activities easier.
We understand that a limb amputation is overwhelming and life-changing. Our occupational therapists work with physical therapists, physicians, prosthetists and other experts to bring personalized, compassionate care to people who have lost a limb. Our goal is to empower you and help you achieve your highest level of function possible.
Any injury to the spinal cord can cause impaired movement or sensation, significantly affecting your quality of life. Our physical and occupational therapists work with you in the hospital and after you return home, using specialized techniques to help you recover.
An occupational therapist is an important part of your treatment team during stroke recovery. These experts assess your strength, dexterity, vision and overall function. They offer specialized treatments that help you participate in your usual activities.
TBI rehabilitation is a comprehensive program designed to help individuals recover from brain injuries. Rehabilitation can help you improve mobility, strength, coordination and help with daily activities to regain independence.
If an injury or illness impacts your mobility, occupational therapists can help you find the right wheelchair or other assistive mobility device for your physical and social needs.
Diagnostics & Treatment
During your first visit with an occupational therapist, you will share your concerns, symptoms and goals. Your therapist will evaluate your overall function to assess your ability to complete everyday activities, such as bathing, getting dressed, cooking or accessing transportation.
Your occupational therapist will then create a personalized care plan to help you improve your function. Your treatment may include:
- Adaptive equipment to help increase your independence when completing tasks
- Education to learn more about your condition and risks
- Fabrication of orthotics or customized splints to support alignment, relieve pain and increase stability
- Purposeful activities that help improve your range of motion, strength and thinking skills for completing your daily activities
- Rehabilitation of fine motor and visual motor skills
- Strategies for improving your self-care skills
Home-Based Health Care
We provide care in the comfort of your home to support you in your recovery, help you maintain your independence and improve your quality of life. Services are available in Chittenden and Grand Isle counties.
