Do you have difficulty buttoning a shirt, holding a coffee mug, typing on a keyboard, or even lifting your child? When pain or stiffness affects your hands, even simple tasks can become frustrating. Learn how Occupational Therapy helps you use your hands and arms again.
These activities rely on healthy upper extremities, which include your shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, and fingers. When some part of the upper extremity becomes impaired, it’s important to seek targeted relief. That’s where the Teton Therapy occupational therapists come in.
And since April is National Occupational Therapy Month, we thought we’d take some time to highlight how occupational therapy helps people regain independence and function in these important areas of the body.
What Is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy focuses on helping people perform everyday tasks safely and comfortably. Don’t let the word “occupation” fool you! In this context, it refers to any activity that fills your day. While this does include work tasks, it also includes activities related to hobbies, self-care, chores, and other tasks you need or want to do.
Unlike physical therapy, which focuses primarily on restoring strength and mobility, occupational therapy involves examining how the body moves during specific activities, identifying barriers to function, and addressing those barriers directly.
At Teton Therapy, our occupational therapists often target issues in the upper extremities, as these body parts play an integral role in nearly everything we do.
Conditions Our OTs Can Help Treat
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Tennis Elbow
Trigger Finger
Rotator Cuff Injuries
Arthritis of the Hand or Wrist
Post-Surgical Recovery
What You Can Expect During Your Occupational Therapy Sessions
The first step in your occupational therapy journey is a thorough evaluation of your symptoms and overall recovery goals. We’ll assess strength, mobility, pain, and other concerns in the affected area. However, we’ll also chat with you about the specific activities you want to perform. This allows us to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
What’s Included in an OT Treatment Plan?
We combine several evidence-based approaches to help you regain function in your hands, wrists, or shoulders. While no two programs are the same, here are some of the techniques we typically recommend:
Manual Therapy
Targeted Therapeutic Exercises
Activity Training
Splinting and Joint Protection
Nerve Care
Take the First Step Toward Better Hand and Arm Function
Pain in the hands or arms can interfere with work, hobbies, and daily responsibilities, but our occupational therapists can help restore the movements that make daily life possible.
If upper extremity pain or dysfunction is keeping you from living life to the fullest, the team at Teton Therapy is here to help. Schedule an evaluation today to get started.
Your Success Is Our Priority!
Ready to keep moving forward? Return to Teton Therapy and schedule your appointment now!
Patient Testimonial
“I’m able to do even finer woodworking. Being able to do more maintenance on my bows has been a blessing! I have also been able to get ready for another 26.2 mile ruck. Thank you, Teton Therapy!”
-C.B.
SHARE YOUR SUCCESS STORY TODAY!
Did You Know That Our OTs Also Provide Behavioral Therapy?
Have you ever noticed that day-to-day tasks become harder when you’re struggling with stress or other negative emotions? It’s not your imagination! The brain and the body work together, and when something’s affecting you mentally, it can impact you in surprising ways. This is especially true for kids, although it can apply to adults as well.
Fortunately, the occupational therapists at Teton Therapy can help through our behavioral therapy services.
What Is Behavioral Therapy?
Behavioral therapy focuses on changing patterns of behavior that interfere with daily function. It teaches practical strategies that help people respond differently to stress, frustration, or sensory input. The ultimate goal is to help you develop skills that improve independence at home, school, or work.
Behavioral therapy is particularly helpful for anyone with the following concerns:
- Trouble staying focused
- Anxiety or stress that affects daily routines
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Sensory processing challenges
- Emotional regulation difficulties
What’s Involved with Behavioral Therapy?
Our OTs will work with you to build practical habits and coping skills using a variety of methods, including:
- Positive reinforcement, which encourages desired behaviors by rewarding progress.
- Structured routines to help reduce uncertainty and help you stay organized.
- Sensory regulation strategies, such as movement breaks, breathing exercises, or tactile activities, to help the nervous system stay calm and focused.
- Task breakdown strategies to divide larger tasks into smaller steps.
- Cognitive-behavioral techniques to help you recognize thoughts that trigger stress and replace them with healthier responses.
Take the Next Step Today!
If attention, stress, or behavior challenges affect your daily routines, behavioral therapy with our OTs may help. Contact Teton Therapy today to learn how occupational therapy can help you or your child succeed in everyday activities.
Best of the Best
We’re honored to be named Best Business (Overall) and Best Physical Therapy Clinic in Fremont County by @WyoToday Media 💙
Teton Therapy – Best Business (Overall) in Fremont County
Teton Therapy – Best Physical Therapy Clinic
Luke Bennett, PT, DPT, MDNC, Teton Therapy’s Director of Quality – Best Physical Therapist (Individual)
Zac Schaller, MOT, OTR-L, Occupational Therapist at Teton Therapy Lander – Best Occupational Therapist (Individual)
Exercise of the Month
CLAMSHELLS (EXERCISE BAND)
Lie on your side with your knees bent and feet together. Position an exercise band above your knees. The side you want to exercise should be on top. While keeping your feet together, lift your top knee away from your bottom knee. Slowly return to the starting position. (Materials needed: exercise band)
3 Sets, 10 Reps.
Direct Access
Did You Know You Have Direct Access To Physical Therapy?
Whether you want to come in for a check-up, suffered a recent injury, or want to improve your health, a physician referral is not needed. In the state of Wyoming you have direct access to physical therapy!
You have the power to choose. Just as you can fill a prescription for medication at a pharmacy of your choice, you can choose where to receive physical therapy as well.
Taking care of yourself means taking charge of your healthcare, so remember that regardless of which physician you see, you have a choice when it comes to physical therapy.
Minor aches and pains are warning signals from your body to let you know something is not working properly. Don’t put off the pain until it’s too late. Come in today for a “Tune-Up.”
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Creamy, chocolatey, and naturally sweet, Zac’s Peanut Butter Banana Cocoa Smoothie is a delicious way to fuel your day. It’s the perfect blend of indulgence and nutrition, making every sip both satisfying and energizing.
Teton Therapy’s Monthly Healthy Recipe
Zac’s Peanut Butter Banana Cocoa Smoothie
- 1 banana, sliced
- ½ cup oats
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
- 2 cups milk of choice (try almond milk)
- 5 large ice cubes
Mix together in a Bullet or other drink mixer and enjoy
Staff Spotlight
Kimberlee Reichert, PTA
Kimberlee Reichert graduated from the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Laramie County Community College in May 2023. She is passionate about working with diverse patient populations, with a special interest in geriatrics, balance, and generalized strengthening. Kimberlee was inspired to pursue physical therapy after growing up with epilepsy and experiencing firsthand the impact of supportive healthcare. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, kayaking, and learning photography with her husband.
April Word Scramble
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sutpli
aiprodsnr
tlaeacprilr
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Answer Key
fools
showers
tulips
raindrops
caterpillar
garden
