Occupational Therapy Seaford

East End Occupational Therapy Seaford, NY – a specialized hand and upper extremity rehabilitation practice that has been dedicated to providing a complete and comprehensive range of occupational therapy services to its patients. The team at East End Occupational Therapy strives to deliver the best evidence based care possible through our client centered approach.

Not only is our practice in direct contact with your physician from the initial examination through your discharge, we also work closely with your surgeon to develop an optimal plan of care with the goal of restoring your functional independence. Most of us rely on our hands routinely and it is not until we suffer an injury that we recognize the importance of our hand function when performing daily living skills.

What Is Occupational Therapy?

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 Seaford, and the benefits this service can bring you.

What Is Occupational Therapy In Seaford?

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.        

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 Seaford. 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 Seaford, and how it can help you, be sure to schedule an appointment with us today!  When you choose us for care, you’ll guarantee you’re in the best hands.

What Can Occupational Therapists Help With? 

In the simplest of terms, occupational therapy teaches you how to adapt. This specific type of treatment considers the pain, injury, illness, or disability an individual may face and creates new movements and actions to correctly perform daily activities that may be a challenge.  Occupational therapy may occur in any stage of a patient’s lifespan ranging from a child to a senior, helping people of all ages. Furthermore, occupational therapists usually take a holistic approach where the focus is strictly on the patient themselves, and everything from the environment to the movements is adapted to fit the person and their specific abilities and needs. Think you or a loved one may benefit from occupational therapy in RVC? Here at East End Occupational Therapy, our certified specialists are here to help! For more information on occupational therapy and its benefits continuing reading on. 

What Is An Occupational Therapist?

Occupational Therapists, otherwise known as an OTs, are specific healthcare professionals that guide you, as well as teach you new ways of moving to successfully complete daily tasks and everyday actions. Simple actions that can be changed and modified to decrease your pain include eating without help, doing work in an office, getting dressed and bathing individually, and even simple household cleaning chores. Occupational therapists receive unique graduate-level training and must be licensed and pass a national exam to be certified to practice. OT’s often work cohesively with your doctor, physical therapist, and other healthcare professionals to ensure that you’re receiving the best possible care and treatment in all aspects of your health and wellness. 

Who Needs Occupational Therapy?

Any individual who suffers from pain or discomfort when attempting to perform simple actions or movements preventing them from living their daily lives can benefit from seeing an occupational therapist or even exploring the world of occupational therapy in RVC.  If you suffer from any of the health conditions or problems, we recommended talking with your doctor to see if occupational therapy could be the right path for you. These conditions include but  are not limited to: 

• Chronic pain or arthritis 
• Post-stroke recovery 
• Brain injury 
• Joint replacement 
• Spinal cord injury 
• Low vision 
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Poor balance 
• Parkinson’s disease 
• Cancer 
• Multiple sclerosis
• Cerebral Palsy 
• Autism 
• Birth defects 
• ADHD and more 

Benefits of Starting Occupational Therapy

It is very well known that therapy methods and techniques are proven to improve and strengthen an individual’s functional abilities and movements throughout their daily lives. However, how does occupational therapy in Seaford Specifically benefit individuals and the value of future life and abilities? Here are just a few benefits that Occupational Therapy inhibits through its practice and impact on the patients in need.  

• Occupational Therapy is known to increase an individual’s independence overall. In most cases, people want to take care of themselves on their own. An occupational therapist can assist the patient and improve their self-care skills including bathing, eating, dressing, completely hygiene tasks, fixing meals, and going to the bathroom by themselves. 
• Occupational Therapy improves strength and endurance when it comes to completing functional tasks. Occupational therapists are able to analyze the movements required while creating innovative exercise and activities in order to build upon the patient’s current abilities in efforts to improve their daily independence with daily tasks and movements.    
• Occupational therapists offer an immense amount of support! They understand the pressure and stress that may arise in the patient as well as the patient’s family during these difficult times. Occupational therapists care about you and will do everything to support you and help you reach your goals. 

Occupational Therapy in Seaford

Think you or a loved one would benefit from the exciting and innovative world of occupational therapy? Look no further, East End Occupational Therapy is here to help! For more information visit our website or contact us to schedule an appointment today.

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 occupational therapy in Seaford, 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. 

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 occupational therapy in Seaford 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. Occupational therapy in Seaford, 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 Seaford, 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 Amityville 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 Amityville, 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 Amityville, 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 Seaford
If you are experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome from activities associated with your job then look to East End Occupational Therapy for occupational therapy in Seaford. 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!

What is The Best Treatment For Arthritis?

Arthritis is described as inflammation and tenderness in your joints. This causes joint pain and stiffness and worsens with age. This is why arthritis becomes a more common problem in the elderly. Arthritis can become severely debilitating and prevent movement and functionality in your body. The inflammation of the joints can cause locking in your joints as well as severe pain in some cases. The range of motion in your arthritis affected joints also deteriorate over time if left untreated. While arthritis can affect a wide range of joints in your body, some of the most commonly affected areas include your hands, elbow, knees, and hips. The more used joints, or joints prone to more movements, are more likely to develop arthritis. This is especially true in your hands, which have a lot of joints involved with most hand movements. If you suffer from arthritis in the hands and are looking for Occupational Therapy in Seaford, reach out to us at East End Occupational Therapy for arthritis treatments for your hands!

There are many different types of arthritis, which are differentiated by where the arthritis is affecting you or how arthritis develops in your body. Some of the more common types of arthritis include: 

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Thumb arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Gout

The different types of arthritis share many symptoms and overlap with each other. In general, the shared symptoms are swelling, redness, stiffness, and pain in the joint, as well as a decreased range of motion. While there are many different types of arthritis, there are also different types of treatments you can defer to for your arthritis problems.  

Treatments for Arthritis

The types of treatments that are prescribed to help manage your arthritis. Usually, the best approach to manage arthritis problems involves the application of a few different types of treatments for the best results. To see what kind of treatment plan is best for you and how Occupational Therapy in Seaford can help you, contact us at East End Occupational therapy and see what we have to offer.

Medication for Arthritis

Many different medications are effective ways to treat and ease the joint pain related to your arthritis. One of the major factors of joint pain from arthritis comes from inflammation. That’s because most pains relieved work to reduce inflammation to provide relief, so reducing inflammation from arthritis will help reduce arthritis pain. Some types of medication that can help with arthritis pains include over the counter pain relievers, topical pain relief medications, prescription NSAIDs, and corticosteroid medications.

Physical Therapies for Arthritis

Physical therapy is another treatment option focused on managing arthritis pains and recovering from some degree of symptoms. One avenue for improvement physical therapy aims for is a strengthening of muscles that support damaged joints or joints affected by arthritis. By improving and strengthening the surrounding and supporting muscles and structures, you can experience reduced pain and stiffness of the affected joints and improve your range of motion. It is also noted as a very efficacious first option for improving symptoms before surgery.

Physical therapy has shown much improvement for patients with many different types of arthritis in many different parts of the body. For osteoarthritis or arthritis of the hips, patients note improved ability to walk, climb stairs, and other functionalities, while suffering from less pain. Patients with arthritis in the knees and elbows show improved movement and functionality in the limbs with the proper physical therapy. And patients who suffer from arthritis in the hands see a large improvement in hand functionality and reduced pain with hand physical therapy. Patients who go through hand physical therapy feel stronger, notice reduced locking, and experience less pain in the hands. If you are looking for Occupational Therapy in Seaford, contact us at East End Occupational Therapy and see what we can do for you today!

In addition to these two treatment plans, there are other approaches to arthritis treatment you can use to help your arthritis. Some of these include:

• Hot and Cold therapies: The application of hot and cold therapy can reduce inflammation and pain temporarily.
• Braces: by supporting affected joints with braces and splints, you can offer extra support and strength needed to be more functional.
• Chiropractic Adjustments: manipulation of certain joints can help manage stiffness and pain of certain arthritis issues.
• TENS treatments: this treatment option uses electrical pulses to help manage your pain.
• Exercise and Weight loss: being overweight adds extra stress to joints. Exercising can not only help weight loss and reduce this stress but is also an effective way to help manage pain with many arthritis conditions.
• Surgery: while many surgeries are effective ways to manage arthritis, it is usually prescribed if other ways of managing your arthritis fail to help.

Occupational Therapy in Seaford

While it is hard to say one specific treatment is the best way to manage your arthritis, a combination of many different types of treatments used together offer the best results for patients. To see what treatment plan is best for you, and Occupational Therapy in Seaford, contact us at East End Occupational Therapy and see how we can help!

Schedule an Appointment!