Occupational Therapy

The Occupational Therapist (OT) works closely with the rheumatologist in the Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic at Golisano Children's Hospital. They assist children and their parents in obtaining their goals in their daily life as they learn to live with a rheumatologic condition.

The occupational therapist will:

• Monitor range of motion in affected joints
• Establish safe and appropriate home exercise programs based on diagnosis
• Educate children and their families regarding physical activity and joint protection
• Recommend strategies to improve ability to bath, dress, and participate in other daily tasks
• Fabricate custom hand, elbow, and knee splints as needed, or recommends prefabricated items to alleviate joint or soft tissue pain or to correct deformities.

The therapist will also educate the family in available services in the community and safety for the body related to the rheumatologic condition. In addition, the therapist monitors progress in other outpatient and school-based therapy programs. When needed, the therapist will contact school therapists, outpatient clinic therapists, or other professionals to advocate for the patient.