Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy at Summit Health helps you regain the strength, movement, and confidence to do the things that matter most.
Overview
Occupational therapy at Summit Health helps you regain the strength, movement, and confidence to do what matters most. Whether you're recovering from surgery, managing arthritis, or healing from an injury to your neck, shoulder, arm, or hand, our therapists build a personalized plan around your goals.
- Return to everyday tasks like dressing, cooking, typing, and lifting
- Reduce pain and stiffness with hands-on, evidence-based care
- Recover safely with experienced therapists, including certified hand therapists
What is occupational therapy?
Occupational therapy (OT) helps you perform daily tasks with greater ease and independence. "Occupation" means anything that fills your day, from buttoning a shirt to working at a computer.
When an injury, condition, or surgery limits your upper body, simple tasks can become frustrating. Our therapists help you rebuild function step by step so you can get back to the routines you value.
Upper extremity rehabilitation at Summit Health
Our occupational therapists specialize in orthopedic care for the upper body, including the:
Many of our therapists are certified hand therapists (CHTs), a credential that reflects advanced training in hand and upper extremity care. We work closely with Summit Health orthopedic surgeons and physicians, so your care stays coordinated from diagnosis through recovery.
How we treat upper body conditions
Care starts with a thorough evaluation of your range of motion, strength, sensation, and daily function. Your plan may include:
- Joint and soft tissue mobilization: Hands-on techniques to improve movement and ease stiffness
- Neuromuscular re-education: Exercises that restore coordination and control
- Thermal modalities and cryotherapy: Moist heat, paraffin dip, and diathermy to relax tissues, and cold therapy to reduce pain and swelling
- Electrical stimulation and ultrasound: Therapies that ease pain, support healing, and activate weak muscles
- Customized orthotics: Custom splints that protect healing tissues and support alignment
- Patient education: Body mechanics, joint protection, and posture techniques to manage symptoms and prevent future injury
How does occupational therapy differ from physical therapy?
The two often work together, but each has a distinct focus. Physical therapy treats the impairment itself, such as weakness or limited motion. Occupational therapy focuses on your ability to perform meaningful daily activities, like eating, dressing, school, and work.
Your occupational therapist looks at what may be limiting you:
- The person: skills like grip strength, fine motor control, and range of motion
- The task: how an activity is done and whether it can be adapted
- The environment: changes to your home, workspace, or tools that make tasks easier
Conditions and procedures
Our occupational therapy and hand therapy team treats a wide range of upper body conditions, including:
Hand and finger
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Trigger finger
- Dupuytren's contracture
- Finger fractures and dislocations
- Flexor and extensor tendon injuries
- Mallet finger
- Thumb (basal joint) arthritis
- Ganglion cysts
Wrist
- Wrist fractures, including distal radius fractures
- De Quervain's tenosynovitis
- Sprains and ligament injuries
- TFCC (triangular fibrocartilage complex) injuries
Elbow
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
- Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis)
- Cubital tunnel syndrome
- Elbow fractures and dislocations
Shoulder
- Rotator cuff injuries and tears
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
- Shoulder impingement
- Shoulder fractures and dislocations
Neck and upper back
- Cervical radiculopathy
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Postural dysfunction
- Thoracic outlet syndrome
Other conditions
- Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
- Nerve injuries of the arm and hand
- Repetitive strain and overuse injuries
- Upper extremity sports injuries
Procedures and therapies we offer
- Post-operative rehabilitation after hand, wrist, elbow, or shoulder surgery
- Custom orthotic and splint fabrication
- Range of motion and strengthening programs
- Scar management to improve tissue flexibility
- Edema (swelling) management
- Sensory re-education and desensitization after nerve injury or surgery
- Fine motor and dexterity training for writing, typing, and gripping
- Activities of daily living (ADL) training
- Adaptive equipment recommendations
- Ergonomic and workstation guidance
- Home exercise programs to keep you progressing between visits
Our specialists
How effective Hand Therapy is changing lives
When we experience hand-related injuries, our lives can easily get thrown off track. Injured arms and hands can keep you from working your job and generally living a pain-free life. When you experience sports-related injuries or musculoskeletal disorders, hand therapy is not just recommended, it can change your life for the better.
Patient resources
Frequently Asked Questions
An occupational therapist helps you regain the ability to perform everyday tasks after an injury, surgery, or health condition. Our OTs focus on the upper body, using hands-on treatment, exercise, custom orthotics, and education.
Hand therapy is a specialty within occupational therapy (and sometimes physical therapy) focused on the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder. Certified hand therapists (CHTs) have advanced training and have passed a certification exam. Several of our therapists hold this credential.
It depends on your insurance plan. Many patients are referred by a Summit Health orthopedic surgeon or physician. Check with your insurer to confirm your requirements.
Many plans cover occupational therapy when medically necessary. Coverage, copays, and visit limits vary, so contact your insurer or our office for help understanding your benefits.
Your therapist will review your symptoms, medical history, and daily activities, then assess your strength, movement, and function. Together, you'll set goals and create a treatment plan. Many patients begin treatment that same day.
It depends on your condition and goals. Some patients need only a few visits, while post-surgical recovery may take weeks or months. Your therapist will track your progress and adjust your plan along the way.
Yes. Your therapist works with your surgeon to protect healing tissues, reduce swelling and stiffness, and safely rebuild strength.
Some exercises may cause mild discomfort, especially early on. Your therapist will always work within your comfort level and adjust as needed.
Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your arm, shoulder, or neck. Bring your insurance card, photo ID, a medication list, and any referral or surgical notes.