Occupational Therapy

Why Should I Choose Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists help people of all ages perform the activities they want and need to do for the job of life.  Whether the person’s occupation involves office work, homemaker tasks, or simply the many activities of being a child, Occupational Therapists work to ensure participation in all the tasks that are important to the individual.

Spencer Hospital’s occupational therapists provide care at the hospital for both inpatients and outpatients and also provide outpatient therapy services at Sioux Rapids Family Care. Occupational therapy can provide numerous benefits for people experiencing a variety of health concerns, including:

• Hand Therapy: Spencer Hospital’s certified hand therapist evaluates and treats any problem related to the upper extremity. A Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) is an OT who has a minimum of 5 years of experience plus 4,000 hours of hand therapy care in addition to passing a certification examination that demonstrates knowledge of hand therapy. Spencer Hospital’s CHT can provide effective post-operative care and rehabilitation, as well conservative or non-operative treatment.  
   
• Pre- and Post-Surgical Rehabilitation for patients having procedures on the elbow, wrist, hand, and fingers.
   
• Custom Orthotic Fabrication: Custom braces and splints to fit each patient’s unique needs.
   
• Wound Care: Wound cleaning and dressing following surgery or injury
   
• Cognitive and Perceptual Therapy: improves problem solving, executive function, and independence for those with dementia, brain injury, and mental and behavioral health diagnoses
   
• Post Stroke and Brain Injury: treats physical and cognitive deficits related to brain injuries
   
• Upper Extremity Edema and Lymphedema care to reduce arm swelling following treatment for breast cancer or other disorders
   
• Behavioral Health Group is provided by OT professionals for Spencer Hospital’s Behavioral Health inpatients.
   
• LSVT™ BIG Therapy was developed to help people with neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, improve balance and mobility. 

What Are the Benefits?

Anyone can benefit from Occupational Therapy if they find it difficult or are unable to participate in their desired level of daily activity, work, or leisure.

Restore your independence: Occupational Therapists work with individuals to make activities they need and want to do possible again

Involvement in your recovery: Treatment with an Occupational Therapist is all about you. The patients’ individual goals and needs are the central focus of our care.

How Do I Schedule OT?

Most patients receive a referral to Occupational Therapy from their physician, specialist, or surgeon. Occupational Therapists will communicate with your referring physician and keep them informed of your care and progress.

Spencer Hospital Occupational Therapists offer our patients convenient scheduling options in multiple locations. To schedule an appointment with a Spencer Hospital Occupational Therapist, call Spencer Hospital Rehabilitation Services at 712-264-8300 extension 6189.

How Should I Prepare for My Therapy Session?

After scheduling your initial evaluation, you will need to register through Spencer Hospital Patient Registration. On the day of your evaluation, please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment to complete registration and intake paperwork.

We recommend comfortable, loose fitting clothing, like you would wear to exercise, for all of your OT visits. Your first visit with the Occupational Therapist, called an initial evaluation, will take about 1 hour. Treatment sessions typically take between 30-60 minutes and you may see your therapist 1-3 times per week, until you meet your goals. The average number of times a patient in our clinic sees their Occupational Therapist, including the initial evaluation, is 6.

Education & Certifications

Entry into Occupational Therapy programs requires a bachelor’s degree to be eligible for admission. Occupational Therapist education programs offer wither a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) or the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree. Most programs are 2-3 years in length and include classroom and clinical education. Following graduation, Occupational Therapists must pass a national board exam to become licensed in their state. In Iowa, once an OT is licensed, they must complete annual continuing education to keep their license current.

Certified Occupational Therapist Assistants (COTA) earn an Associate’s degree, requiring two years of education after high school. COTA’s must pass a board exam to be licensed in their state and complete annual continuing education requirements to maintain their licenses. COTA’s provide treatment to patients under the guidance and supervision of an Occupational Therapist.