Rehab United has recently expanded to include Occupational Therapy at two of its facilities, and is now serving the communities of Kearny Mesa and Carlsbad!
What is occupational therapy?
Occupational therapy’s role is to get clients back to performing the occupations or activities that are meaningful and important to them. Whether that be basic tasks such as getting dressed or taking a warm shower, or specific activities that make up an individual’s daily routine. Our goal is to enhance participation in valued occupations while designing and implementing individualized treatment plans.
“Occupations include things people need to, want to, and are expected to do”
What areas does an OT specialize in?
Within Rehab United, we have occupational therapists (OTs) who specialize in the population of patients with neurological conditions as well as general orthopedic and pelvic health conditions.
Neurological Conditions:
The neuro clinic, located in Carlsbad, treats patients with an array of neurological conditions including stroke recovery, Parkinson’s Disease, ALS, traumatic brain injury, and more. Occupational therapy applies a variety of treatment techniques including neuromuscular re-education, functional movement, strengthening/mobility, as well as modifications to daily activities. Our vision is to improve functional skills in an effort to enhance participation in meaningful daily activities.
Orthopedic Conditions:
In addition, occupational therapists treat other medical conditions such as shoulder tendonitis, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel, fine motor deficits, as well as other general deconditioning deficits through strength base training, adaptations, and compensatory techniques.
Home and Community Safety:
While navigating within the home and community may be a challenge for some, occupational therapists can evaluate and treat clients to safely participate in personal environments through individual modifications and training.
What is the difference between PT and OT?
Physical therapy focuses on improving a patient’s ability to move their body while investigating pain, movement impairments, and functional mobility limitations, while occupational therapy focuses on improving the patient’s ability to participate in their meaningful activities with or without impairments to maximize their independence.
There may be overlap between the two disciplines, but both bring a unique perspective to patient care that ultimately works to achieve the goals of independence and improving quality of life.
How do I know if OT is right for me?
Coming to Rehab United for occupational therapy promotes health and wellness for clients with disabilities and non-disability needs. Our aim is to promote skill acquisition for those with neurological or orthopedic disabilities while enhancing participation in daily occupations.
Questions about OT? Contact bjacobs@rehabunited.com.
Rebecca (Becca) Jacobs, MS, OTD, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist and brings a new treatment approach and experience to the Rehab United team. She studied at Boston University, where she earned the trifecta of degrees in occupational therapy including her bachelor's, master's, and post-professional doctorate. Becca is one of three occupational therapists in San Diego who specialize in pelvic health occupational therapy, a discipline that is new to the field of occupational therapy.