Steady Strides Occupational Therapy Services in Baltimore
The Steady Strides Occupational Therapy (OT) Program is unique and comprehensive. We use evidence-based assessments to gain a holistic picture of our patients’ strengths, needs and goals. Our OT exercise program is designed to provide patients with “tailor-made” exercises that align with their physical abilities and lifestyle requirements, enabling them to make significant strides in their activities of daily living.
We offer physical and occupational therapy services via videoconferencing and telephone, all covered by insurance.
Physical and Occupational Therapies complement each other effectively. Although the boundaries between these disciplines may sometimes appear blurred, they represent distinct specialties.
According to the American Physical Therapy Association, Physical Therapists (PTs) are “movement experts who optimize quality of life through prescribed exercise, hands-on care, and patient education.”
In contrast, the American Occupational Therapy Association explains that Occupational Therapists (OTs) specialize in the “therapeutic use of daily activities (occupations)” using a “holistic perspective, focusing on adapting the environment and/or task to fit the person's needs.”
As an illustrative example, a PT may focus on regaining muscle strength and joint range of motion for a stroke patient experiencing shoulder pain, spasticity and weakness. On the other hand, an OT considers factors such as how the patient’s cognitive function contributes to use of the arm. They also examine the environment in which the tasks are performed, and they develop the functional aspects of the tasks (such as eating, dressing, and washing) that involve the affected shoulder.
In this scenario, the PT addresses the issue with a more local focus, for example, shoulder range of motion; whereas, the OT works on the problem from a more global perspective, for example, eating.
Furthermore, the American Occupational Therapy Association recommends Occupational Therapy assessments and interventions to help prevent falls or treat conditions such as pain or carpal tunnel syndrome.
Cognitive function encompasses executive function, organization, sequencing, memory, attention, and problem-solving. Individuals facing challenges in these areas may struggle with organizing their home, problem-solving, understanding medication labels, acquiring new skills, walking around safely at home, or recalling how to operate equipment like a walker.
At Steady Strides, we collaborate closely with physicians and physical therapy colleagues to optimize your recovery. We employ evidence-based tools to support cognitive function management, ensuring comprehensive care tailored to your needs.
COGNITION
We assess balance, ambulation, reaching, bending and proper use of assistive devices such as canes and walkers, ensuring their contribution to safe ambulation and transfers. Every aspect of a patient's mobility is scrutinized, from speed and rhythm to distractibility, even down to the type of shoes they wear.
Patients are observed ambulating indoors, outdoors and in their homes. Exercise programs are meticulously developed, practiced, reviewed, and adjusted to align with the patient's evolving needs.
Our OT exercise program is patient-centered, progressive, and results-oriented. Patients are introduced to exercises and challenges tailored to their individual requirements. This may involve gentle 'country music' movements while seated on an uneven surface, calming Tai Chi dance while standing, or the dynamic challenge of balancing on specialized equipment while engaging in activities such as juggling!
FUNCTIONAL MOBILITY
It is known that vision deficits can heighten the risk of falls. That's why, at Steady Strides, we conduct thorough assessments of visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, visual attention, scanning and convergence or divergence.
In practical terms, may fail to notice hazards such as a buckled carpet, uneven sidewalks, or slippery floors due to these deficits. They may also overlook barriers when walking outdoors or within their homes.
LOW VISION
Home assessment is a vital part of our program at Steady Strides.
By observing the patient in ‘real-time’ within their home environment, our therapists gain invaluable insights into their challenges. This enables us to make practical recommendations for modifications that can greatly enhance the patient's independence and safety.
HOME ASSESSMENT
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