Occupational Therapy in Lakeview and the Chicago Loop
What is Occupational Therapy?
Your daily life is made up of occupations; the meaningful activities that include everything from getting dressed, to being a parent, to cooking, or working. We all have occupations; even children. However, most people do not think about their many occupations and roles until they have trouble completing them. Numerous conditions can impair your ability to complete daily activities, such as a wrist injury that makes it difficult to button a shirt or nerve damage following a finger fracture that makes typing at your job painful. An occupational therapist is a skilled practitioner who uses current research and evidence to evaluate and develop interventions for patients who are experiencing these difficulties. With a background specializing in the upper extremity, as well as our patients and clients psychological, physical, social and emotional characteristics, occupational therapists can address your conditions and limitations applying a truly holistic approach. Dr. Rachel Philipp provides occupational therapist care in Lakeview and the Loop, and Dr. Debbie Victor sees patients in Lakeview.
Common Upper Extremity Injuries that Your Occupational Therapist Can Address:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Lateral and medial epicondylitis
- De Quervain's syndrome
- Trigger finger
- Repetitive strain injuries and tendonitis of the wrist
- Arthritis in the wrist and hand
- Post wrist or digit fractures
- Scar management
- Wrist sprain/strain
- Lateral/medial Epicondylitis
- Upper Extremity fractures (including post ORIF)
- Rotator cuff injury/surgery
Common Limitations That Your Occupational Therapist Can Address:
- Decreased participation, safety or independence with daily and instrumental activities of living
- Muscle weakness, deconditioning and fatigue
- Lack of coordination, decreased fine motor control and hand weakness
- Chronic, pain management
- Cancer-related neuropathy
- Cancer-related cognitive dysfunction
- Physical impairments or acquired physical disability
- Evaluation and training on adaptive equipment to increase safety and independence
- Chronic disease and self-management, helping patients manage follow up appointments, symptoms and long-term side effects independently
- Establishing balanced routines and incorporation of wellness-based activities to increase life satisfaction
You Might Need to See an Occupational Therapist If You Have:
- Difficulty completing activities of daily living, such as bathing and dressing
- Difficulty completing Instrumental activities of daily living, such as working, cooking, shopping and accessing the community
- Lack of coordination
- Changes in sensation or tactile discrimination
- Decreased strength, coordination or range of motion in upper extremity
Other Common Diagnoses:
- Cancer
- Fatigue
- Neuropathy
- Loss of movement, joint stiffness or restriction
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Decreased strength or coordination caused by neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's Disease or post stroke
- Pain management
- Brain injury
- General deconditioning
- Overuse injuries
Please call (773) 665-9950 for more information or schedule an onsite or virtual appointment.