Orthopaedics
Occupational therapy treats patients of all ages with disorders in the fields of orthopaedics, traumatology and rheumatology. These include, for example, congenital malformations of the trunk, arms and hands, signs of wear and diseases of the spine and other large joints, inflammatory and degenerative joint diseases from the rheumatic range of forms, injuries to bones, muscles and tendons and nerves, amputations, paralysis of nerves, especially the arms and the trunk, tumours of bones, muscles or nerves.
The aim is to restore mobility, strengthen the muscles and normalize the dexterity and coordination of both hands and the individual fingers. In occupational therapy, patients should learn to use their strength and compensate for a permanent disability by changing their behaviour and work processes. This can also be done by training with special aids, hand splints or prostheses made by occupational therapists.
Occupational therapy treatment in this specialist area includes, for example:
- Exercises for mobility, muscle strength, endurance, resilience and sensitivity
- Training of everyday activities with regard to personal, domestic and professional independence
- Advice and training for joint protection
- Hardening of amputation stumps and training with the prosthesis
- Production of special hand and bracers
- Advice on suitable aids and changes in the home and professional environment, production and adaptation of aids if necessary
Physical consequences of the basic disease are alleviated by occupational therapy measures, existing abilities are strengthened. The aim is to ensure a maximum quality of life and to achieve the greatest possible independence in all areas of personal, domestic and professional life.