Orthopedic Care

Orthopedic care focuses on treating and rehabilitating musculoskeletal conditions (bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles). Occupational therapists focus on helping people regain independence in daily activities (ADLs) after injury, surgery, or chronic conditions.

Types of Orthopedic Care

1. Functional Recovery

  • Help patients return to daily tasks like dressing, bathing, cooking

  • Adapt activities based on limitations

2. Upper Extremity Rehabilitation

  • Especially important for:

    • Hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder injuries

  • OTs provide:

    • Hand therapy and dexterity training

    • Grip strength improvement

    • Fine motor coordination exercises

3. Splinting & Assistive Devices

  • Custom splints for joints (wrist, fingers, elbow)

  • Adaptive tools (e.g., jar openers, dressing aids)

  • Ergonomic recommendations

A healthcare professional touching a patient's arm with a medical brace, in a clinical setting.

4. Pain Management & Joint Protection

  • Teach techniques to reduce strain on joints

  • Activity modification strategies

  • Energy conservation techniques

5. Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

  • After procedures like:

    • Joint replacements

    • Tendon repairs

    • Fracture fixation

  • OTs help with:

    • Safe movement techniques

    • Gradual return to function

    • Scar and edema management

6. Work & Lifestyle Reintegration

  • Evaluate job demands

  • Modify workstations

  • Conduct return-to-work training

7. Pain Management & Joint Protection

  • Teach techniques to reduce strain on joints

  • Activity modification strategies

  • Energy conservation techniques