Occupational Therapy Services

At Cherry County Hospital (CCH), our Occupational Therapists are committed to helping you regain independence and enhance your quality of life. Whether you're recovering from an injury, surgery, illness, or managing a chronic condition, our skilled Occupational Therapy staff is here to support you in achieving your personal goals for daily living and overall well-being. Occupational therapists (OTs) help individuals of all ages fully engage in their daily lives by restoring or enhancing their ability to perform work, recreational activities, and essential tasks of daily living such as dressing, cooking, laundry, and driving.

Outside Resources

We collaborate with inReach, a trusted provider of occupational therapy services, to ensure patients at CCH have access to specialized care and resources tailored to their unique needs.

Referrals

A referral from your primary care provider may be needed for occupational therapy services. If you have been referred, please contact our Therapy Department at 402.376.2525 to schedule your appointment. Therapy scripts can be faxed to 402.376.3884.

Direct Care Access:

Direct care allows you to access treatment without a physician's referral, ensuring quicker evaluations and personalized care. Please note that under direct care, most expenses are paid out of pocket, as insurance companies may not cover services without a referral. This approach provides you with the flexibility to seek immediate care and invest in your recovery without delays.

Hours of Operation:

Monday - Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Inpatient Services: Available as needed

Core Services

     •Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Training: Includes recommendations for adaptive equipment and instruction on appropriate use.
     •Family & Caregiver Education: Offering guidance to support caregivers in their roles.
     •Upper Extremity Rehabilitation: Therapy to restore strength, range of motion, and coordination.
     •Home Safety Evaluations: Identifying hazards and recommending solutions for a safer living environment.
     •Wheelchair Seating & Positioning: Customized fitting and training for optimal support and mobility.
     •Pelvic Floor Therapy: Treatment for pelvic pain, incontinence, and related conditions.
     •Scar Management: Treatment of hypertrophic scars, cesarean scars, contractures, and adhesions by using techniques to improve mobility, reduce stiffness, minimize pain, and enhance functional outcomes.

Orthopedic Conditions

     •Post-surgical Recovery: Rehabilitation following surgery for improved function, mobility, and use.
     •Fractures: Support for healing and restoring movement after bone fractures.
     •Pelvic Floor Therapy: Treatment for pelvic pain, incontinence, pelvic prolapse, postpartum recovery, and other related conditions.
     •Spinal Cord Injuries: Interventions for mobility, function, and daily living tasks after spinal cord injuries.
     •Joint Replacements: Helping patients regain strength and movement after joint surgeries.
     •Arthritis: Pain management and joint function restoration and maintenance for various types of arthritis.
     •Muscle Weakness: Strengthening exercises to improve muscle tone and endurance.

Neurological/Neuromuscular Disorders

     •Stroke (CVA) Recovery: Restoring movement, coordination, and independence following a stroke.
     •Head Injuries: Rehabilitation after traumatic brain injuries (TBI) to support cognitive and physical recovery.
     •Developmental Delays/Disorders: Helping children and adults address developmental delays to achieve their milestones.
     •Pediatric Development: Supporting children in reaching developmental goals, including motor and cognitive skills.
     •Progressive Neuromuscular Diseases: Intervention for conditions like ALS, MS, and muscular dystrophy to improve function and quality of life.
     •Parkinson’s Disease: Techniques to improve movement, reduce tremors, and enhance daily function.

Hand Injuries

     •Cumulative Trauma: Treatment for repetitive stress injuries affecting the hands and wrists.
     •Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Techniques to alleviate pain and improve mobility in the wrist and hand.
     •Tendonitis: Addressing inflammation and pain in tendons, improving range of motion and function.
     •Arthritis: Joint management and rehabilitation to restore function and reduce pain in the hands.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How often do I need to come and how long are my sessions?
A: Anywhere from 2-3 times a week for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Q: Does my physical therapy treatment need to be pre-certified with my insurance company?
A: Some insurance companies require pre-authorization for occupational therapy.

Q: What is the difference between OT and PT?
A: Occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) often work together but focus on different aspects of recovery:
     OT: Helps patients regain independence in daily activities (e.g., dressing, cooking, driving) and often incorporates adaptive equipment and environmental modifications.
     PT: Focuses on improving physical mobility, strength, and function, often targeting specific muscle groups and movements.
While PT emphasizes movement rehabilitation, OT helps patients apply those movements to functional tasks.

Q: What should I expect during my first OT appointment?
A: Your first session will include:
     •An evaluation of your condition, daily activities, and therapy goals.
     •A discussion of your medical history and current challenges.
     •A customized treatment plan with specific exercises, adaptive strategies, and any recommended equipment.

Q: Will occupational therapy be covered by my insurance?
A: Most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover occupational therapy if it’s deemed medically necessary. Coverage often depends on your diagnosis and treatment plan. We recommend checking with your insurance provider or contacting our billing department for assistance.

Our Therapists:

•Kaitlyn Bish, OTD, OTR/L
•Clancy Hesseltine, OTD, OTR/L