Have you ever suffered from a hand injury? Are you paralyzed on one side as a result from a stroke? Has your child suffered from some type of developmental delay? If so, you may benefit from occupational therapy.

Occupational therapists use innovative ways to teach people how to overcome obstacles that their disease or injury has placed in their path. Occupational therapists work with the patient and their family to return as much independence in their activities of daily living as possible. We use modalities, manual therapy, stretching and exercises to help return the use of your upper extremity to the best level possible. If adaptive equipment or environmental modifications are needed, we walk you through each step. Through strength training, education and adaptive equipment, occupational therapists help you get back to living as quickly and safely as possible. If you are concerned and feel that our therapy services may help you. Please contact and discuss this with your primary care or treating physician.

Occupational Therapy is involved with a wide variety of diagnoses including:

• Orthopedic conditions (such as shoulder surgery, elbow injuries, carpal tunnel, traumatic hand injuries/amputations)
• Neurological disorders (such as stroke and traumatic brain injury)
• Arthritis
• Pediatric Disorders (Autism, Developmental Delay, Handwriting Delays)

Questions about what to expect on your first visit and more..

Questions about billing..

Contact us today for your appointment at 256.401.4662

WHAT IS OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY?

Occupational Therapy is the use of assessment and treatment to develop, recover, or maintain the daily living and work skills of people with a physical, mental, or cognitive disorder. Occupational therapists also focus much of their work on identifying and eliminating environmental barriers to independence and participation in daily activities. We utilize movements, exercise, hands on treatments and modalities (heat, Ultrasound, electrical stimulation, etc) to help you achieve the highest level of function possible in a safe effective manner.

DO I NEED A PRESCRIPTION FROM MY DOCTOR TO COME TO THERAPY?

Yes. You will need a prescription from a physician. This can be your family physician or a specialist you have seen for a specific injury or problem, such as an orthopedic physician, rheumatologist, or neurologist.

WHAT ARE MODIALITIES?

Our occupational therapists use a variety of modalities during your treatment. These modalities can help strengthen, relax, and heal muscles. A few examples are:
• Ultrasound
• Ionotophoresis
• Electrical Stimulation (E-stim)
• Hot/Cold Packs

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

Since occupational therapy may require movement of the upper extremity, your evaluation and plan of care will be focused on exercises and treatments may target movements of the arms over your head or may require you to bend and allow the arm to hang at the waist. Therefore, it is important for you to wear clothing that is comfortable and suitable for you to perform these movements. We provide areas for you to change if needed, so feel free to come straight from work with your change of clothes.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO MY FIRST APPOINTMENT?

For the first visit you will need your insurance card, drivers license, and any paperwork that your may have received to fill out prior to your visit. If you have any post-op reports or x-ray reports, feel free to bring those as well but those are not necessary.

If you currently utilize any type of brace, splint, sling, or other assistive device, please bring those with you.

HOW LONG IS EACH SESSION?

Typically each session lasts about an hour.

HOW OFTEN DO I ATTEND?

The frequency of your follow up treatments greatly depend on the diagnosis. At the time of your evaluation, your occupational therapist will evaluate you thoroughly and determine the best frequency for you. However, typical treatments will be 2-3 times per week.

DO I NEED TO PERFORM MY EXERCISES AT HOME?

Once you have been evaluated, the therapist will give you a list of exercises for you to perform at home. These exercises may change as you progress through the program, but performing these exercises at home as instructed is vitally important to your recovery.

IS PRIVACY MAINTAINED?

Yes, all of your information is private and only discussed with staff members who are part of your treatment.

HOW IS PROGRESS MAINTAINED?

During each session, a specialized plan of care is followed using techniques and exercises designed specifically for you. These techniques are documented along with your response to the treatment. Every 30 days, your physician is updated with a progress note outlining your performance, any complications and/or any progress you have made.

DO I NEED A PRECERTIFICATION BEFORE I COME TO OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY?

Precertifications depend on the type of insurance. If you have specific questions, we suggest contacting your insurance company directly to see if a precert is required. (However, if you have any questions or concerns please call our office and we will be glad to help the best way possible.)

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT ON MY FIRST VISIT?

On your first visit, your therapist will perform a thorough evaluation of your problem based on the diagnosis given by your physician. This includes a history, reports of the onset of the current problem, specific tests and measurements, stimulations to joints/muscles to assess muscle and joint involvement. After the evaluation is completed, the therapists will discuss the findings with you and develop a plan of care. Treatments are rendered on the first visit as appropriate.

WHAT TYPE OF TREATMENT WILL I RECEIVE?

Treatment is based on the initial evaluation findings along with ongoing reassessments with each visit. Treatments may consist of exercises, modalities, hands-on treatments, or any combination. Treatments are designed to decrease pain, increase movement and strength and restore overall function. Treatments also include the home exercise programs.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO START OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY?

In most cases, therapy should begin as soon as possible. Treating an injury early improves the potential of a full recovery and decreases the length of time in treatment. There are some instances when waiting is better, but your physician will guide you with those injuries.

SHOULD I ASK MY DOCTOR TO REFER ME IF I NEED IT?

Absolutely! Ask your doctor if you feel occupational therapy could help you and let us get you started with a treatment program that can get you back to your prior function without any wasted time.

HOW CAN I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?

Call our Therapy Department Monday-Friday 8am-5pm at 256-401-4662 and we will be glad to schedule an appointment. If you have a referral, you can drop it by our office and we can get you scheduled then. If you call your physician, they can fax the referral to us at 256-401-4660 and we will call you when we have your referral in hand.

BILLING FAQ’S

WHO SHOULD I CONTACT WITH BILLING QUESTIONS?

All of our billing is handled in our therapy office by our front office personnel. You can contact us directly at 256-401-4662.

ARE YOU IN OUR NETWORK?

We accept a wide range of insurance plans. If you have a question about your specific plan, please feel free to call us at 256-401-4662.

We also make arrangements for those patients who do not have insurance through our patient financial counselors. You can contact them directly at 256-401-4017.

WILL MY INSURANCE COVER OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY?

Most insurance plans do cover Occupational Therapy services. The amount and type of coverage vary from plan to plan. Before your initial visit, our office will verify your coverage, co-pay and any deductible so you will be aware of your financial responsibility before your first visit.