Occupational Therapy

A Whole-Person Approach to Get You Back to Everyday Life

Sometimes, things that used to come easily to you are suddenly more difficult. Occupational therapy (OT) helps you get back to doing the things that matter to you. It promotes independence and improves your quality of life.

Our highly trained and experienced occupational therapists take a holistic approach to care. We use research-supported evidence and a variety of interventions to build your abilities and your confidence. We believe empathy and inspiration can go a long way toward healing body and mind and helping you live life most fully.

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Occupational Therapy Services at Emory Rehabilitation

All of us have tasks we do every day. These include simple things like brushing your teeth and eating meals. But they can also include more complex tasks like preparing those meals, driving a car or doing your job.

Illness, injury, surgery or challenges caused by conditions such as arthritis or stroke can make basic tasks difficult. Our occupational therapists help you make these tasks more manageable. We can work with you in the hospital or outpatient settings.

Depending on your needs, we may recommend:

  • Activities designed to strengthen memory, attention, organization or decision-making

  • Assistive devices, such as dressing aids or special kitchen utensils

  • Computer tools, like screen magnification or voice-recognition software

  • Driver evaluations [link to: /services/rehabilitation/driving-rehabilitation]to assess your ability to operate a vehicle safely and make any necessary accommodations

  • Environmental modifications, such as adjusting lighting, to help you deal with sensory sensitivities

  • Exercises to increase muscle strength and coordination

  • Hand therapy to restore function or prevent worsening symptoms in your hands, wrists, elbows or shoulders

  • Home modifications, such as installing grab bars in your bathroom or rearranging furniture to reduce fall risk

  • Mobility aids, such as a wheelchair or walker

  • Social skills training to improve your ability to interact with others

  • Suggestions for new ways to do familiar activities

  • Workplace assessments and modifications to help you identify and overcome barriers that prevent you from meeting job demands

Pediatric Occupational Therapy

Children may benefit from OT just like adults. Occupational therapists can help kids:

  • Develop play skills that help them learn

  • Engage in activities of daily living, like dressing and toileting

  • Improve fine motor skills that allow them to grasp things and do handwriting

  • Learn to manage emotions and behaviors

  • Obtain skills needed to process information and solve problems

Therapists work with children dealing with a variety of conditions, from physical injuries and developmental delays to autism and cerebral palsy.

What to Expect at Your Occupational Therapy Visit

At your first OT visit, your therapist will assess your situation. They will speak with you, and perhaps your family members or caregivers, to learn more about your needs and goals. Sometimes, the assessment includes a trip to your home or workplace.

Based on what your therapist learns, they’ll work with you to develop a treatment plan. It will specify interventions to help you get back to doing the activities you need and want to do.

Reaching your goals takes time and patience. Your therapist will closely monitor your improvement and change your treatment plan as needed. Our ultimate goal is to help you live fully, comfortably and safely.

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Make an Appointment with Emory Rehabilitation

Create a MyChart account to schedule online or call 404-778-7777 to schedule an appointment.