Patients participating in occupational therapy at Wake Forest Baptist re-learn activities of daily living, such as feeding, dressing, bathing, toileting, and home and money management.

These activities may be practiced to help increase the patient's strength and coordination or improve their thinking skills. The patient may also learn to use new equipment or try new methods to perform a skill.

An occupational therapist also may suggest special equipment or other changes that need to be made in the home.

Conditions treated by occupational therapists include:

  • Amputations
  • Arthritis and rheumatic diseases
  • CVA (stroke)
  • Crush injuries/mutilating trauma
  • Cumulative trauma disorders
  • Developmental disabilities
  • Dislocations and subluxations
  • Dupuytren's disease
  • Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE)
  • Fractures
  • Infections
  • Ligamentous injury and instability
  • Neuromuscular diseases – ALS, MS, MD
  • Pain (e.g. complex regional pain syndrome, fibromyalgia)
  • Rotator cuff dysfunction (pre and post-surgical rehab)
  • Sensory Processing Disorder Spinal cord and central nervous system injuries
  • Tendon injuries and conditions (e.g., lacerations, transfers, tendonitis, ruptures)
  • Thermal and electrical injuries Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
  • Wounds and scars

Pediatric Occupational Therapy

Pediatric Occupational Therapist specializes in evaluation and treatment of children and young adults with medical and/or developmental disabilities.

Fine Motor

  • Coordination/Dexterity Skills
  • Visual perceptual/motor skills

Sensory Integration

  • Coordination of proprioceptive, tactile, auditory, vestibular and visual input

Neuromusculoskeletal

  • Joint and soft tissue flexibility
  • Arm strength
  • Positioning
  • Splinting

Endurance

  • Oral Motor/Feeding
  • Coordination, range and strength of the lips, cheeks, tongue, and jaw
  • Taste, temperature, and texture advancements 

Self-Care Skills

  • Grooming
  • Bathing
  • Dessing
  • Self-feeding