Pratt Regional Medical Center’s occupational therapy staff provides patients with skilled treatment that helps them achieve independence in all facets of their lives. Occupational therapy assists people in developing the "skills for the job of living" necessary for independent and satisfying lives.

Because of the number of orthopaedic surgeries that take place at PRMC, the occupational therapy staff works regularly with patients who have undergone a total hip or knee replacement or revision surgery. “We begin working with these patients within one to two days after surgery and continue working with them until they are ready to go home,” PRMC Occupational Therapist Jenny Lamatsch said.

The occupational therapy staff also works with other patients who have experienced work-related injuries including repetitive stress injuries, limitations following a stroke or heart attack, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or other serious chronic conditions, upper extremity injuries, sports injuries, or accidents and vision or cognitive problems that threaten their ability to complete daily tasks. “Although the process may often be grueling, it is a great feeling to see a patient improving and accomplishing every day tasks on their own,” Lamatsch said. Lymph edema treatment and evaluation and measurement for wheel chairs are also available through occupational therapy.

The occupational therapy staff is now able to see patients improve on daily tasks first hand because the addition of a new ADL lab. “Our ADL lab is great for our patients because we are now able to work side by side with them as they adapt to using a walker while functioning in an environment similar to their kitchen at home,” Lamatsch said. “Mobility may be a challenge for a patient who is adapting to using a walker.”

The ADL lab is also beneficial for patients who are recovering from a stroke or head injury. They are able to practice sequencing, problem solving and judgment during functional kitchen tasks. “Often, stroke patients may have to relearn how to do household tasks if they have experienced decreased function of one arm,” Lamatsch explained. “The ADL lab is great for helping to develop the skills they need.”

For more information about the occupational therapy services available at Pratt Regional Medical Center, please call 620-450-1890.

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