Occupational Therapy

The occupational therapists at MaineHealth help clients gain the skills they need to take part fully in daily activities at home, school and work. We have occupational therapy (OT) programs for people with disabilities, and patients recovering from injury or stroke. 

What is occupational therapy?

Occupational therapists enable people of all ages to take part fully in their usual activities.

Occupational therapy can help improve motor skills, sensory skills and cognitive skills. Occupational therapy may be done in combination with other therapies, including physical therapy and speech therapy. Patients who get OT treatment may have an injury, disability, illness or condition that limits their function. People with the following conditions may get occupational therapy:

  • Birth injuries or birth defects

  • Sensory processing disorders

  • Traumatic injuries (brain or spinal cord)

  • Learning problems

  • Autism/pervasive developmental disorders

  • Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

  • Mental health or behavioral problems

  • Broken bones or other orthopedic injuries

  • Developmental delays

  • Post-surgical conditions

  • Burns

  • Spina bifida

  • Amputations

  • Cancer

  • Hand injuries

  • Multiple sclerosis (MS)

  • Cerebral palsy (CP)

  • Stroke

Occupational therapy treatments

You will need a referral from your doctor to receive occupational therapy.

An evaluation is done when you first see an occupational therapist. An occupational therapist will develop a treatment plan based on diagnosis and need. Find an occupational therapist in our directory. Occupational therapy treatments may include:

  • Exercise to help strength and movement

  • Stretching

  • Activities to build memory, problem solving, daily living skills

  • Learning news ways to do tasks

Occupational therapy may be done at a rehabilitation center or rehabilitation gym.