For millions of people, the service of occupational therapy is a lifeline. Lisa Wixon, MS, OTR/L, Occupational Therapist at Pioneer Memorial Hospital & Health Services, explains, “People of all ages receive O.T. to help them participate in the activities of their daily life. Sometimes people need occupational therapy to do things we take for granted, like getting dressed, being productive at school or work, eating unassisted, even socializing.”
Occupational therapy doesn’t just treat medical conditions, it helps people stay engaged in the activities that give them pleasure or a sense of purpose, despite challenges. The nature of the therapy depends on the individual and their environment. Abby Volden, MS, OTR/L, also an Occupational Therapist at PMH&H, adds, “Occupational therapists consider the whole person when developing a therapy plan. We collaborate with physicians and other professional to ensure a comprehensive approach. Our therapy service is ‘outcome oriented’, which means we help clients work toward achievable goals.”
Some of the conditions occupational therapy can help include, hand dysfunctions such as carpel tunnel and tendonitis, arthritis, injuries from falls, neurological diseases or accidents like stroke, and hip or knee replacements. Lisa and Abby also work with people with Alzheimer ’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or other chronic conditions. Other health conditions that benefit from occupational therapy include: work-related injuries, repetitive stress injuries, and vision or cognitive problems.
Lisa has several years of experience working with orthopedic and repetitive stress injuries on an outpatient basis. She has had specialized training in fracture management for the arm and hand, allowing her to perform fracture bracing, an alternative to casting, or regular splinting which provides the individual greater mobility and improved function. She also has expertise in the area of physical agent modalities which she can use when treating sprains or strains of the elbow, wrist or hand.
Abby enjoys working with neurologic cases, such as stroke and TBI. She also works within the Centerville School District, providing services to students to address physical, cognitive, psychosocial and sensory elements affecting their ability to achieve to their fullest potential. Abby also sees children in the clinic and has recently completed extensive hours of education in sensory processing disorders.
April is Occupational Therapy Month. Both therapists are able to schedule patients in the Viborg and Parker medical clinics. For more information, contact Lisa or Abby at Pioneer Memorial Hospital & Health Services 605-326-3009, or check the website, www.pioneermemorial.org.