Q: What can I expect when receiving pediatric occupational therapy?

As parents and caregivers, it can often be overwhelming to hear a medical provider recommend therapy. At Rainy Lake Medical Center our occupational therapists conduct a detailed evaluation including standardized testing that allow us to determine how to best provide care for your child. During the evaluation, we develop a treatment plan with the child and parent/caregiver to best address your concerns.

Following the evaluation, we have fun! Each session is tailored to meet the needs or your child through play. We also assist families with developing a home program to continue the skills the child is learning during therapy while at home. We continue therapy services until your child meets their goals.

At Rainy Lake Medical Center, our occupational therapists often provide the following pediatric treatment:

Treatment for pediatric patients includes:

  • Individualized and patient-centered treatment sessions to facilitate child’s independence in daily living tasks
  • ADL skills (such as bathing, getting dressed, brushing teeth, toileting, and feeding themselves)
  • Exercise/heavy work regimens
  • Pain management
  • Scar tissue management and desensitization techniques
  • Orthotic fabrication of the upper extremity
  • Adaptive techniques, devices, and equipment
  • Feeding therapy
  • Coordination/body awareness/proximal stability/strengthening
  • Visual motor/Eye-hand coordination
  • Sustained attention
  • Ability to follow directions

Common pediatric diagnoses:

  • Developmental delay
  • Difficulty bottle feeding, transitioning through food stages, excess vomiting, and global feeding concerns
  • Autism
  • Failure to thrive
  • ADD/ADHD
  • Physical disabilities
  • Emotional regulation and behaviors
  • Drug exposure
  • Birth injuries or birth defects
  • Sensory processing disorders
  • Traumatic injuries (brain or spinal cord)
  • Learning challenges
  • Post-surgical hand conditions
  • Spina bifida
  • Cerebral palsy and other chronic illnesses
  • Down Syndrome/Trisomy 21
  • Any other pediatric diagnosis

Talk to your doctor if you believe your child would benefit from an Occupational Therapy evaluation.

For more information on how our Therapy and Wellness team can assist you, please call 218-283-5420.