Occupational Therapy
Techniques for sensory integration, energy conservation, work simplification, and joint protection. Design, fabricate, and fit orthotic and self-help devices. Teach compensatory techniques to improve the level of independence in ADL's. Teach therapeutic activities designed to restore physical function.
An Occupational Therapist might construct a device that will allow a patient to hold a utensil so they can feed themselves. Occupational Therapists can often assist a patient in regaining independence in the activities of daily living (ADL) such as dressing, bathing, and meal preparation. By doing so, the patient can be maintained in the home rather than in an assisted living or skilled nursing facility.
Speech Language Pathology (Speech Therapy) can provide treatments for:- Speech voice production
- Voice disorders
- Difficulty with speech (aphasia)
- Difficulty with swallowing (dysphagia)
- Special communication techniques
Types of patients that may benefit from Speech Therapy are those with a diagnosis of head and neck cancers, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's disease, vocal cord nodules, multiple sclerosis, or any debilitating neuro-muscular disorder. Patients with new tracheostomies or post laryngectomies also often require the skills of a Speech Pathologist.