What is occupational therapy?
Occupational therapy helps you do the things you need and want to do after an injury, surgery or illness. Where physical therapy often focuses on movement and strength, occupational therapy focuses on function: using your hands and arms, managing daily activities, and returning to work safely.
Looking for occupational health, such as work injury visits, DOT physicals or drug testing? That's provided through Specialty Urgent Care in Dearborn.
Occupational therapy at Specialty Medical Center
Amanda Schatzberg, MSOT, OTR/L, a Michigan-licensed occupational therapist, sees patients at our Dearborn and Sterling Heights (15 Mile) offices. She works alongside our physicians, physical therapists and chiropractor, so your therapy plan follows your medical plan.
Who it can help
- Hand, wrist and elbow injuries, including after fractures or surgery (hand and wrist care)
- Conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tennis and golfer's elbow
- Recovery after a car accident or work injury, when daily tasks or job duties are hard
- Shoulder and arm problems that limit reaching, lifting or self-care
What a visit involves
The first visit is an evaluation of strength, range of motion, sensation and the tasks you find hard. From there, your therapist sets goals with you. Treatment can include exercises, practice of real tasks, custom splints when needed, and changes to how you work at home or on the job.
Hand therapy
Hand therapy and custom splints: hand therapy is a specialty within occupational and physical therapy for injuries and conditions from the fingers to the shoulder. It is often part of recovery after hand or wrist surgery and for nerve and tendon problems. Specialty Medical Center offers hand therapy and custom splinting.
How to start
Call (313) 572-0810 to schedule. If a physician referred you, bring the referral; after a car accident or work injury, bring your claim number so we can check coverage first.
Common questions
Do I need a prescription for occupational therapy?
Many insurers require a referral or prescription for therapy. Our physicians can evaluate you and write one when therapy fits.
How is occupational therapy different from physical therapy?
There's overlap. Physical therapy usually centers on movement, strength and walking; occupational therapy centers on hand and arm function and daily and work tasks. Many patients do both.
