Our occupational therapists help people with physical or mental disabilities or illnesses live as independently
as possible.
Individual care - Whether you're a senior or a child, we recognize
that your situation is unique. When you first come in, your primary occupational
therapist will assess your condition and goals, then tailor your treatment
according to your needs and preferences.
Coordinated therapy - Occupational therapy is part of a team effort.
We will coordinate your treatment with other disciplines, such as physical
or speech therapy. Your occupational
therapist also will communicate with your personal physician.
Education - During treatment, you will learn how to prevent
injury or re-injury and promote healing.
Support - Your loved ones are an important part of your recovery.
That's why we try to include them as we support you in your transition to
"normal" life.
Services provided
Our clinical services are available with a referral from a physician,
physician's assistant or nurse practitioner
hand therapy (post-surgical and cumulative trauma)
assessments and treatments related to activities of daily living and sensory
integration
splinting
adaptive equipment and techniques
lymphedema management
home safety assessments
mental health functional group sessions
upper extremity strengthening and range of motion treatment
fine motor control programs
rehabilitation after stroke
pulmonary difficulties
home health therapy
To schedule an appointment, call 507-455-7631 or 1-888-700-5870 (extension 7631).
As part of Owatonna Hospital, we are a Blue Cross Blue Shield Preferred Provider.
Answers to common questions
How does occupational therapy differ from physical therapy?
Occupational therapists work with persons who cannot easily do activities of daily
living in work, play or leisure. Limitations may come from physical problems or
mental illness.
Physical therapists work with persons who cannot easily do physical activities,
such as balance and walking.
Occupational therapists are skilled at adapting the environment and use of tools
to help a person gain more independent function. They frequently work with physical
therapists to improve a patient’s ability to do everyday activities.
In helping people with physical disabilities, occupational therapists focus on
strengthening the upper extremities (hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder). Physical
therapists focus on strengthening the neck, back and lower extremities.
Both disciplines require a minimum of a four-year degree in an accredited program,
must pass national exams, and must be licensed to practice in the State of Minnesota.
What role do crafts play in occupational therapy?
When occupational therapy began almost 100 years ago, therapists working with
the mentally ill learned that purposeful activities like crafts united the hands
and mind, bringing a sense of accomplishment. It also provides “just-right challenges”
to a person’s ability to concentrate, follow directions, share tools and materials
in a group setting, plan an activity, handle frustration and other psychosocial
benefits.
In treating physical disabilities, crafts provide opportunities to strengthen,
add range of motion and improve coordination. Research has shown that people will
often perform a purposeful activity for a longer duration and with more consistency
than they will perform an exercise whose purpose is only to provide the benefits
of the exercise. The motions used in purposeful activity also are often more closely
like those that are used in everyday activities our patients are working to gain
function in.
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