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Occupational Therapy in Nassau County

East End Occupational Therapy in Nassau County

Have you recently suffered from an injury or illness that has impacted your ability to complete once easy tasks?  Do you or a loved one have a disability that impairs the ability to perform basic functions?  If the answer to either of these questions is yes, our occupational therapist at East End Occupational Therapy can help.  Continue reading to learn more about receiving Occupational Therapy in Nassau County, and the benefits this service can bring you.

What Is Occupational Therapy in Nassau County?

The main goal of occupational therapy is teaching patients how to adapt to their everyday situations. Our trained occupational therapists will make a full assessment of your condition and come up with therapeutic ways to help you achieve your goals. Some of the most common situations occupational therapy helps with include:

  • Children struggling to participate fully in school and other social situations.
  • Aiding those suffering from an injury to recover their strength and skills.
  • Helping elderly patients deal with the physical and cognitive changes that come with aging.        
Occupational Therapy in Nassau County

Benefits Of Occupational Therapy:

Choosing our team at East End Occupational Therapy to administer occupational therapy will help you reap various benefits. Our occupational therapist will work with you to teach you ways to change your movements, so none of your abilities remain hindered. Examples of activities our occupational therapist will assist you to perform better at include:

  • Leisure activities.
  • Office work.
  • Bathing and getting dressed.
  • Eating without the help of others.

Who Can This Form Of Therapy Help?

Occupational therapy is a field that has steadily increased in its need over recent years as anyone who struggles with completing common tasks will benefit from attending sessions. If you’re dealing with any of the below injuries or health conditions, consider reaching out to our team for occupational therapy as these all can have physical ramifications:

  • Strokes.
  • Arthritis or chronic pain.
  • Alzheimer’s
  • Cerebral palsy.
  • Multiple sclerosis.
  • Mental health or behavioral issues.    

What To Expect During Your First Session?

It’s perfectly normal to be a bit nervous about your first session of Occupational Therapy in Nassau County. To help ease these nerves, our team would like to walk you through what you can expect to take place. The first step of the occupational therapy process will be to make a full assessment of your condition, home, and workplace. Doing so gives our occupational therapist a better idea of the changes that need to be made to better your life. After completing the assessment, our occupational therapist may advise you to start using assistive devices. They will also work closely with your family or caregivers to give everyone the necessary information to help you live complication-free. One of the most important things to remember is that you will play an important role throughout the entirety of the therapy process. Your opinion will always be taken into account, especially at the time of your first session.

East End Occupational Therapy: 

At East End Occupational Therapy, our mission is to provide quality and compassionate care.  When issues with your ability to function and complete everyday tasks begin to arise, occupational therapy can be used to overcome them.  By teaching you new methods for movement, and how to use assistive devices, you’ll be able to improve your functionality to levels you thought would now be impossible.  To learn more about Occupational Therapy in Nassau County, and how it can help you, be sure to schedule an appointment with us today!  You’ll guarantee you’re in the best hands when you choose us for care.  

What Does an Occupational Therapist Do?

Occupational therapy in Nassau county

Occupational therapy has become more and more popular as a career choice in recent years. While more people are looking for jobs in this field, many people still don’t know what an occupational therapist is and what they do. An occupational therapist helps all kinds of people dealing with many different complications to manage their symptoms and conditions. The main goal is to help patients be able to fully regain functionality in their everyday life. This means they can help all kinds of people to help them get back to work or everyday activities like walking, talking, cooking, and many more. They also work with all kinds of people, from elderly folks to help them with everyday tasks, or adults with work-related issues, and even children to help with injuries, conditions, or disabilities. If you or a loved one requireOccupational Therapy in Nassau County, reach out to us at East End Occupational Therapy and see what we have to offer. 

To help patients an occupational therapist will start with a few personalized and customized steps. These steps can include:

  • Observe the patient in different settings as needed, ask the patient and family questions, and review medical history to evaluate the patient’s needs and conditions.
  • Use said observations to develop a treatment plan for patients depending on their issues and needs.
  • Educate family, friends, and employers to help accommodate the patient
  • Evaluating home, school and workplace to improve these places for the patient

With these starting steps, an occupational therapist can help their patients to start getting back on their feet. These help the therapist plan out a treatment or help plan for their patients and get them moving on in their life. 

Who can an Occupational Therapist help?

Adults

Occupational therapists can help people with all kinds of disabilities to be able to do everyday activities again. They can help patients manage painful conditions brought on by their disability, especially ones that prevent function due to pain. In the case of cerebral palsy, they can give the patient appropriate equipment such as braces, wheelchairs, and even eating aids. They can also help patients with arthritis manage fine motor skill issues, pain in the joints and hands, and help them regain functionality. Along with these, many disabilities can be managed with the help of an occupational therapist. To speak with anOccupational Therapy in Nassau County to learn more about how they can help you, contact us at East End Occupational Therapy!

Occupational therapists also work with patients with mental health problems and disabilities. These therapists work with patients that have developmental disabilities, mental illness, and emotional problems. They help these patients manage their complications and engage in a more fulfilling everyday life. They work with patients on anything from developing life skills such as management, budgeting, and social skills to working on specific tasks that may be difficult or compromised due to the patient’s condition.

Elderly

Occupational therapists can also work with the elderly to help them regain or develop independence and live a more full life. They can help manage wear and tear complications that develop in the elderly, from pain management to physical therapy to improve mobility and function in the elderly’s everyday life. They can also assess the environment of the elderly, creating a more functional work and life space, removing hazards or other obstacles that can become a hindrance in that person’s life, and work with the patient to become more functionally independent. If your loved one needsOccupational Therapy in Nassau County, East End Occupational Therapy can be there to help!

Pediatrics 

Additionally, occupational therapists can help children and students who have complications that hinder development, learning, and growth. Many conditions can put a child at risk of delaying social and learning skills. Some of these conditions include:

  • Birth complications
  • Traumatic injuries
  • Pervasive developmental disorders
  • Development problems
  • Spina bifida
  • Chronic illnesses such as cerebral palsy

In addition to these, children who have sensory processing disorders may be difficult to diagnose, but these disorders can hinder a child’s growth if not managed properly. Sensory processing disorders include hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity, both of which can majorly impair your child at home or in school. 

However, an occupational therapist can help your child manage conditions such as these. An occupational therapist can work with your child by:

  • Improving motor skills
  • Addressing issues such as hand-eye coordination
  • Learning basics tasks naturally
  • Maintaining a more positive behavior
  • Improving attention and social skills
  • Recommend specialized and personalized tools to help your child

Occupational therapy can be used to help a wide range of patients dealing with many different complications. The use of specialized techniques customized to your specific needs can be a great help to many different people. To find out what an occupational therapist can do for you, reach out to us at East End Occupational Therapy, and to receive quality and trusted Occupational Therapy in Nassau County.

Can an Occupational Therapist Help with My Rotator Cuff Injury from Work?

Have you been feeling a dull ache in your shoulders? Do simple tasks such as raising your arms become difficult? Do you work in construction or carpentry and have noticed any symptoms in your shoulders?  Then you may be experiencing a rotator cuff injury. Luckily our team at East End Occupational Therapy is ready to assess the issue. If you’re looking for oOccupational Therapy in Nassau County, contact us today. Our well-equipped occupational therapist will evaluate the issue and develop an individualized treatment plan to help you recover. 

What is a Rotator Cuff Injury? 

In your shoulders, a rotator cuff is a group of muscles that surround the shoulder joint. It helps keep the head of your upper arm strongly within the socket of your shoulder, allowing you to lift and rotate your arms freely. Because they are in a tight space, injury can happen. 

occupational therapy in Nassau County

Injury mostly occurs in people who repeatedly perform motions with their shoulders in their jobs, such as overhead activity or heavy lifting, for example, construction. Repetitive movements over a prolonged period in the shoulders can cause inflammation.

It is usually the result of a single injury and medical attention is needed immediately. If the muscle tears, surgery may be required however, most people recover with occupational therapy exercises that improve flexibility and strength in the shoulders. 

Symptoms

Pain is the most common symptom when experiencing a rotator cuff injury. It is noticeable when you lift your arm up or down. It can make simple tasks such as combing your hair, or putting your arms through your sleeves difficult. Other symptoms include:

  • Dull, aching pain when sleeping on the affected shoulder.
  • Arm weakness. 
  • Pain when reaching your arms out. 
  • Unable to lift things 

Causes

Rotator cuff injuries can happen in two ways. It can happen once such as lifting heavy objects, falling on the shoulder, or forcing the shoulder in an awkward position. It can happen over a long period of overuse such as: 

  • Athletes who use their shoulders in a repeated motion such as tennis or baseball players. 
  • Repetitive lifting jobs such as carpentry, painting, constructions, etc. 
  • People over the age of 40. 

There are various risk factors to keep in mind such as:

  • Age- The older you get, the likelihood of rotator cuff injury to occur increases. 
  • Family history- Genetics can play a role as certain families are linked to shoulder injuries. 
  • Construction jobs- These types of jobs often require repetitive arm motions which damage the rotator cuff over time. 

If pain persists for more than a few weeks, then it is time to contact East End Occupational Therapy. Our oOccupational Therapy in Nassau County will assess the issue and help you regain motion and flexibility in your shoulders. 

Prevention and Treatment

If you’re an athlete or work in occupations that require utilizing the shoulders you are advised to take breaks frequently. It can help to take the load off of your shoulders. Additionally, performing strength training shoulder exercises can help with motion and prevent “frozen shoulders” after injury. OOccupational Therapy in Nassau County, will suggest various types of exercises that you can perform to improve functions in your shoulders.

If you’re currently experiencing a rotator cuff injury, here are some tips to follow. 

  • Take over the counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen.
  • Apply ice or hot packs on the affected area. 
  • Avoid sleeping or resting on the affected shoulder.
  • Do not lift your arms up unless instructed too. 

How can East End Occupational Therapy Help?

If you’re looking for Occupational Therapy in Nassau County, contact us today at East End Occupational Therapy. Our Occupational therapist will develop a treatment plan that will relieve pain, strengthen the shoulders, and prevent future injuries from occurring.

Occupational Therapy for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can leave you in pain and discomfort. This condition can arise from constant flexing of the wrist which causes irritation in the carpal tunnel of the wrist. This condition also puts pressure on the median nerve of the wrist, which causes a lot of other symptoms. If you or someone you know is suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, making an appointment at East End Occupational Therapy for Occupational Therapy in Nassau County can help make your recovery easier! We can provide you with an efficient and effective exercise regimen to get you back to working as quickly as possible.

Risk Factors

The causes of carpal tunnel syndrome aren’t entirely known. However, it is commonly thought to be caused by a combination of lifestyle and genetic factors. Some of the risk factors include:

  • A repetitive profession. Working in a position where you repetitively use your hands can put you at higher risk for having carpal tunnel syndrome. Some of these professions include desk work with keyboarding, electrical work, and construction.
  • Obesity. Obesity and higher weight levels can put someone at a higher risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • Pregnancy. Being pregnant puts a toll on a woman’s body. On top of other problems that pregnancy can cause, it increases the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis. Since this condition already causes inflammation in the wrist, it adds to the pressure and stress in that area of the body. People with rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to contract carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • Gender. Carpal tunnel syndrome is more common in women than in men.
  • Other medical conditions. Other conditions including menopause, kidney failure, and thyroid disorders can put someone at a higher risk of getting carpal tunnel syndrome.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are limited to the wrist and hand region, but can still put a person’s life on hold. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is a good idea to look for occupational therapy. For Occupational Therapy in Nassau County, reach out to us at East End Occupational Therapy. Some of the symptoms in the affected hand include:

  • Tingling
  • Numbness
  • Weakness
  • Pain in the hand, thumb, pointer finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger
  • Stiffness

Treatments

It is very important to seek occupational therapy if you are experiencing any of the symptoms above. If you are in need of Occupational Therapy in Nassau County, contact us at East End Occupational Therapy and get the help you need. Depending on your level of severity, there are surgical and non-surgical options for treatment. It may be a good idea to practice some non-surgical exercises and treatments first, and then see if surgery is needed afterward. Some steps you can take before considering surgery include:

  • Decreasing the harmful repetitive wrist movements that you do every day
  • Ice your wrist for 10-15 minutes, twice per hour while you are experiencing symptoms
  • Wear a wrist splint while you are sleeping to avoid any movements during the night
  • Rest
  • Ask your doctor about pain medications or corticosteroid injections
  • Practice wrist exercises 

If these treatments do not work out, it may be time to consider having surgery done to treat your carpal tunnel syndrome. Your healthcare provider can steer you towards a treatment plan that works for you. If you do receive surgery for your carpal tunnel syndrome, you must find an effective way to recover afterward.

How Can Occupational Therapy Help?

Occupational Therapy is a very important step in the healing process for people suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. Your therapist can administer postoperative therapy to ensure proper healing and effective strengthening of the tissue in the hand. Without occupational therapy, a person recovering from carpal tunnel syndrome can develop an infection, nerve damage, stiffness, and pain where the surgery was performed. Occupational therapists help a recovering patient by increasing their range of motion, reducing swelling, decreasing pain symptoms, administering splints, providing help with adjusting to everyday activities, and more!

Occupational Therapy in Nassau County

If you are experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome from activities associated with your job then look to East End Occupational Therapy for Occupational Therapy in Nassau County. We will provide you with concentrated care focused on remedying your ailments and getting you back to working at normal capacity. Being out of work due to an injury can be a stressful time, worrying if your position will be terminated or if you will be able to return to your position and complete your work at the same capacity you once could. We can help you heal from your injuries as efficiently as possible. Don’t hesitate to call us at 631-676-4185 or schedule an appointment online today!

Occupational Therapy For Tennis Elbow

Lateral epicondylitis, also known as tennis elbow, is inflammation in the muscles of the forearm attaching to the elbow. This inflammation is usually caused by small tears in tendons attaching to the elbow joint and arm bone, or the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon. Tennis elbow is an overuse injury caused by repetitive activity and workplace injuries in fields like racquet sports, painters, carpenters and plumbers. If you are suffering from tennis elbow and are looking for Occupational Therapy in Nassau County, reach out to us at East End Occupational Therapy.

Causes and symptoms of tennis elbow

occupational therapy in Nassau County

Tennis elbow is an overuse injury, caused by repetitive use of the tendon in question. The inflammation is not a one-time event that causes tennis elbow but is believed to be a result of repetitive use and inflammation, caused by incompletely healed micro-tears in the tendon. Activities that cause repetitive gripping, grasping, and elbow movement are the main causes of this injury but can be caused, rarely, by trauma like a direct hit to the elbow.

Common symptoms of tennis elbow include aching pain or a burning sensation over the outside of the elbow. This pain is worsened when gripping or lifting using your arm, or repetitive movements involving elbow movement. The pain will start at the elbow but can spread into the forearm as well, especially if left untreated. The pain can grow gradually, or become onset suddenly, and can vary from mild to severe and dibilitating depending on the severity of the condition and lack of treatment. Tennis elbow also develops weakness in grip strength and strength in the arm overall. If you are suffering from tennis elbow, seek professional help right away to prevent your condition from worsening. For Occupational Therapy in Nassau County, contact us at East End OT and see how we can help you!

Treatment for Tennis Elbow

Treatment for Tennis elbow typically includes over the counter pain medications and physical/occupational therapy. Your therapy sessions for tennis elbow will include RICE therapy and gentle exercises to strengthen muscles in the forearm and heal tendons to prevent reinjury, recover from pain, and reduce inflammation. Some typical exercises for tennis elbow include:

  • Fist Clench- improves grip strength and strengthens forearms. 
  • Dumbbell Supination- strengthens the supinator muscle in your forearm, which is responsible for turning the palm upward
  • Wrist Extensions and Flexions- wrist extensors are small muscles that connect to the elbow and help bend the wrist. These muscles are also subject to overuse and require strengthening and healing.

Your occupational therapist will work with you, using exercise techniques like the one described above and other therapies to help heal your tennis elbow and train your body to prevent reinjury. Come into East End OT or make an appointment and receive Occupational Therapy in Nassau County to help with your tennis elbow today!

What Are The Types of Occupational Therapy?

On occasion, people who want to complete certain activities or tasks are unable to, as a result of physical or emotional limitations. At East End Occupational Therapy, we do not  want to let these unfortunate limitations prevent you from living your everyday life. That is why we offer occupational therapy for all of our patients who need treatment. To learn more about this medical specialty, and the different types of occupational therapy we offer, continue to read.

What Is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy is a service that helps patients gain or regain skills that allow them to complete everyday tasks. The job of an occupational therapist is to teach patients new ways to complete these tasks or to help them relearn the bodily mechanisms that were initially lost. In some cases where movement or physical ability was lost, our occupational therapists may create or prescribe the use of assistive devices to allow patients to maintain independence in their daily lives. Some of the most common activities we can help patients learn to complete include:

  • Bathing.
  • Getting dressed.
  • Eating.
  • Moving around freely.
  • School or work-related tasks.  

What To Expect

If occupational therapy has been recommended to you or a loved one, but you are unsure of what to expect, the process can be a bit nerve-racking. To help ease any stress, our team would like to lay out what you can expect to take place during your OT session. During your initial visits, our occupational therapists will help determine what goals you are looking to meet. Once these goals are set, sessions are shifted towards education and training. This training can focus on any of the following:

  • Mental tasks.
  • Strength.
  • Balance.
  • Coordination.
  • Social interaction.

The Different Types Of Occupational Therapy

When it comes to occupational therapy, multiple types will be beneficial to different patients. Understanding what this service can bring will help determine if it is right for you or a loved one. Examples of the different types of occupational therapy that are offered can be found below:

General Occupation Therapy

In its most overarching form, general occupational therapy focuses on helping patients whose functional capabilities are impacted by pain, injury, disability, or illness.  It can help:

  • Children complete tasks at school.
  • Adults manage their work responsibilities.
  • Teach self care skills so people can remain independent.
  • Allow patients to participate in sports or remain active.

Patients of all ages can benefit from this form of occupational therapy, as sometimes all they need is a little help to get their lives back on track.     

Pediatric Occupational Therapy

As the name suggests, pediatric occupational therapy focuses on helping children. Several different stimulants could culminate in your child needing OT care, such as any of the following conditions:

  • ADHD.
  • Developmental disorders.
  • Poor vision or hearing.
  • School trouble.
  • Learning disabilities.

Occupational Therapy For Autism 

Autism is a condition that falls onto a wide spectrum of severity and affects people of all ages. Occupational therapy can be used to help those dealing with this condition. These sessions can take place at school, daycare, or even from their home.

Geriatric Occupational Therapy   

As people age, we tend to lose control of bodily functions slowly. This loss of autonomy can be difficult to deal with, as many people fear they will be unable to remain independent as a result of these developments. Geriatric occupational therapy can help the older generations cope with and manage their new limitations, so they don’t have to give up their right to live happily on their own.   

Occupational Therapy in Nassau County For Mental Health

Occupational therapy for mental health is a continually growing field. Your mental health should always be treated with the utmost importance, and our occupational therapists can help patients learn efficient methods of self-care. Conditions occupational therapy is used for can include the following:

  • Panic attacks.
  • Depression.
  • Schizophrenia.
  • Bipolar disorder.

Environmental Modification

One final type of occupational therapy worth mentioning is environmental modification. Occupational therapists who specialize in this field will look around your home, school, or workplace to see if any modifications can be made to make your life easier. This process can include installing the following for your benefit:

  • Ramps.
  • Wider doors.
  • Support bars in restrooms.
  • Lower or higher cabinets.

Contact Us

At East End Occupational Therapy in Nassau County, we want all of our patients to be able to live their lives to the fullest. If you or a loved one needs occupational therapy, you can trust that our team will provide the services that you need. For more information on this form of care, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
East End Occupational Therapy