Occupational Therapy

Supportive Occupational Therapy Focused on Everyday Function and Recovery

Our occupational therapists and certified occupational therapy assistants provide compassionate, one-on-one care to help patients improve strength, coordination, endurance, and overall functional abilities during recovery. Whether receiving care in the hospital, our outpatient clinic, or local school settings, patients benefit from consistent, personalized support from a team that understands the needs of our rural community.

Our therapists work with people experiencing a wide range of conditions — from arm and hand injuries to chronic conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, memory impairment, lymphedema, and developmental needs in children. Guided by a focus on functional rehabilitation, occupational therapy uses adaptive and compensatory strategies to help patients stay engaged in meaningful daily activities.

Direct access is available for basic orthopedic and overuse injuries, though Medicare and Medicaid require a physician referral. Our helpful scheduling and billing staff can assist you in understanding what your health plan allows.

For more information, please call 608-637-4385.

Comprehensive Occupational Therapy Services

Our occupational therapy team offers a wide range of specialized services designed to support safety, independence, and everyday function. Each service is delivered with compassionate, one-on-one care and focuses on helping patients engage more confidently in the activities that matter most to them.

Focused, Functional Rehabilitation

Our occupational therapy team is dedicated to helping patients regain or adapt daily skills after illness, injury, or changes in health. With a focus on meaningful activities, therapy supports strength, coordination, endurance, and functional independence.

Support Across Ages and Settings

Occupational therapy at Vernon Health serves individuals of all ages—from children with developmental needs to adults managing chronic conditions. Care is offered across multiple settings to ensure consistency and continuity.

Specialized Treatment Options

Patients have access to a wide range of specialized occupational therapy services that address both immediate and long-term needs. These treatments help manage symptoms, support recovery, and enhance daily function.

Personalized Tools and Evaluation Services

Therapists provide customized tools and assessments to help patients participate safely and confidently in daily routines. These services support long-term comfort, independence, and mobility.

Specialized Occupational Therapy Services

Our team provides a wide range of specialized services designed to support safety, independence, and daily function.

Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Training

Our ADL training helps individuals relearn or adapt essential self-care tasks after illness, injury, or surgery. Therapists provide supportive techniques for dressing, bathing, and feeding, while also recommending adaptive equipment when needed. This training focuses on building confidence and restoring functional independence in daily routines.

Lymphedema Treatments

Our lymphedema services support patients experiencing chronic swelling due to compromised lymphatic function. Treatment may include guided exercise, specialized massage, bandaging techniques, home programs, and activity modification. When needed, wound management support is provided as part of a comprehensive approach to reducing swelling and improving comfort.

Hand Therapy

Hand therapy provides evaluation and treatment for concerns involving the hand, forearm, or elbow. Therapists help address issues with motion, function, pain, or swelling, and direct access is available for orthopedic-related injuries such as strains, sprains, or overuse.

Splint Fabrication

Custom splint fabrication offers individualized support for the hand and upper extremity. Splints are designed to improve hand position or function or to provide joint stability and protection, all tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

Pediatric/Developmental Therapy

Our pediatric and developmental therapy services help children achieve important milestones and strengthen everyday skills. Therapists support sensory challenges, self-care development, and fine and gross motor play needs, working closely with school-based providers to align outpatient goals and promote independence across home and school environments.

Cognitive Therapy

Cognitive therapy supports attention, memory, and problem-solving skills through targeted therapeutic activities. When needed, clinic-based driving evaluations are available with a physician referral.

Additional Specialized Occupational Therapy Services

Our additional specialized services offer extra support for safety, comfort, and daily function. These therapies provide focused solutions that complement a patient’s overall care plan.

Modality Treatments

Our modality treatments provide focused support for the arm or hand using therapeutic techniques tailored to a patient’s needs. These treatments may involve heat or cold applications, electrical current, or sound-wave–based approaches to help address discomfort or movement limitations. Therapists use these tools to create a supportive environment for improving function during recovery. Each session is personalized to ensure patients feel comfortable and informed throughout the process. Together, these modalities complement broader therapy goals and enhance the overall treatment experience.

Home Assessments

Home assessments help patients create a safer and more accessible environment by identifying areas where daily tasks may be challenging. During an in-home evaluation, therapists recommend practical modifications such as grab bars, shower benches, or elevated toilet seats to support independence. These changes are designed to reduce fall risk and make essential routines easier to manage. Therapists work closely with patients and families to ensure recommendations fit naturally within the home. This approach helps individuals continue their daily activities with greater confidence and comfort.

LSVT Big & Loud

LSVT Big & Loud is a specialized therapy program designed for individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The program helps address tremors, slow movements, balance challenges, and stiffness that can affect everyday mobility. It also supports vocal strength and communication abilities, offering patients a structured way to improve speech clarity and confidence. Therapists guide participants through exercises tailored to their unique needs, helping them build skills they can use in daily life. This program empowers individuals to move bigger, speak louder, and stay engaged in the activities they value.

Aquatic Therapy

Aquatic therapy uses warm-water exercise and gentle bodywork to support patients in a comfortable, low-impact environment. This approach complements land-based therapy by allowing individuals to move more freely and confidently while following their care plan. The supportive properties of water can make exercises feel more manageable, especially for those experiencing discomfort. Therapists guide each session to ensure movements remain safe and effective. Together, these water-based techniques help patients work toward functional goals with added ease and support.

Wheelchair Evaluations

Our wheelchair evaluations ensure each patient receives the mobility equipment that best fits their needs and daily activities. Therapists assess posture, comfort, and functional requirements to determine the most appropriate wheelchair and special features. These evaluations help patients navigate their environments more confidently and safely. Recommendations are tailored to support long-term mobility and independence. With the right equipment in place, patients are better able to maintain their daily routines and quality of life.

Dry Needling

Dry needling uses fine-gauge needles placed near myofascial trigger points to support individuals with chronic conditions. This technique is performed as part of a broader therapy plan and is used alongside other therapeutic interventions. Therapists apply this treatment carefully to help address areas of tension or discomfort. Each session is tailored to the patient’s comfort level and goals. When integrated appropriately, dry needling offers patients an additional tool for managing ongoing symptoms and supporting functional progress.

FAQ

What does occupational therapy help with?

Patients often want to know what kinds of concerns occupational therapy can address. Based on our services, OT supports people with arm or hand injuries, chronic conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or strokes, lymphedema, memory impairment, home safety needs, and developmental conditions in children. Therapists focus on improving strength, coordination, endurance, and functional abilities to support daily activities.

Do I need a referral for occupational therapy?

Many people search for whether a referral is required. Occupational therapy offers direct access for basic orthopedic or overuse injuries, meaning some patients can begin care without a physician referral. Medicare and Medicaid, however, do require a referral for all OT services. Our scheduling and billing team can help determine what your insurance allows.

What can I expect during occupational therapy?

Patients often want to understand what their sessions will be like. Occupational therapy includes one-on-one care focused on meaningful daily activities such as dressing, bathing, and hand function. Therapists may use adaptive strategies, strengthening exercises, lymphedema management, developmental support, cognitive activities, or specialized treatments based on individual needs. Every session is tailored to support independence and daily function.

Where can I receive occupational therapy at Vernon Health?

People frequently search for local therapy options. At Vernon Health, occupational therapy is available in the hospital, in our outpatient clinic, and within local school districts. This allows patients to receive consistent, coordinated care close to home.

What specialized services does the Occupational Therapy Department offer?

Many patients and caregivers want to know about available specialty programs. Vernon Health provides a wide range of services, including ADL training, lymphedema treatment, hand therapy, pediatric/developmental therapy, splint fabrication, cognitive therapy, aquatic therapy, and LSVT Big & Loud for individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Additional offerings such as home assessments, wheelchair evaluations, dry needling, and modality treatments round out comprehensive patient support.

Is occupational therapy available for children?

Families often search for pediatric therapy options. Yes—our pediatric/developmental therapy services support children with sensory challenges, self-care skill development, and fine and gross motor play needs. Therapists also collaborate with school-based providers to ensure consistent care across home and school environments.

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At Vernon Health, we’re committed to providing patient-centered, compassionate care wherever you are in your health journey. Explore our trusted providers and convenient locations to find the right support for you.

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