Ask an Expert: Can Occupational Therapy Help Me?

Q: Can Occupational Therapy help me with shoulder pain and weakness even though I had surgery over 10 years ago? 

A: Absolutely! Whether or not you had therapy following your surgery, your condition has probably changed since that time. Arthritis, joint degeneration, soft tissue overuse/damage, impingement, and joint positioning are some of the causes of inflammation and joint limitations resulting with pain and weakness.

Occupational Therapists assist in recovering from injuries and regaining functional abilities. Occupational Therapy is often referred by a doctor to address these issues for improved pain management and functional mobility of your shoulder.

 

Kelly van Vliet graduated from Towson State University in Maryland with an Occupational Therapy degree. She has over 30 years of experience and specializes in treating upper body limitations related to orthopedic and neurological deficits. She provides a range of other OT evaluations and treatments including pet care capability, power mobility operation, low vision needs, continence improvement, and cognitive care. Kelly is certified in LSVT BIG® to treat clients with Parkinson’s Disease.