Occupational Therapy

Our Stephenville Occupational Therapy department consists of one of the only Occupational Therapists working in private practice as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team in western Newfoundland. Occupational Therapy is an important component of returning to activities of daily living following an injury, when living with an illness, or as one progresses through the natural aging process. The Occupational Therapist offers a range of Occupational Therapy services including Clinic-Based Occupational Rehabilitation, Worksite Occupational Rehabilitation, Functional Capacity Evaluations, Ergonomic Assessments, Home Assessments, and a Progressive Goal Attainment Program at the Stephenville clinic and throughout the western region. When assessing and providing Occupational Therapy services to clients/patients, the Occupational Therapist is able to consult and collaborate with members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team which includes Physiotherapists, Massage Therapists, and Chiropractors in order to offer the best, client-centred care possible.

The Occupational Therapist at the Stephenville clinic provides detailed and thorough assessment reports to referrers such as worker’s compensation, case managers, employers, or clients/patients outlining specific recommendations for adaptive devices, task modification, home modification, rehabilitative exercises, or return to return to work plans; recommendations are based on the client’s specific needs and occupational performance issues. The Occupational Therapist may liaise with employers, caregivers, or other healthcare providers involved in the client’s care to ensure coordinated planning and continuity of care.

Clients/patients report experiencing increased knowledge of proper body mechanics, pacing, improved pain levels, and an increased ability to safely and effectively engage in their daily activities whether it be their job, caring for themselves and their home, or taking part in their favourite leisure activities. The Occupational Therapist has experience working with individuals with physical injuries, mental illness, and cognitive disabilities. The Occupational Therapist is trained in the Matheson system for Functional Capacity Evaluation and Ergonomic Assessment and strives to continue furthering her education surrounding the latest Occupational Therapy approaches. The Occupational Therapist at the Stephenville clinic travels throughout the western region to provide Occupational Therapy service at all Health and Performance Centre clinics, in individuals’ homes, and in workplaces.

The staff at the Stephenville clinic are helpful, friendly, and make the process of initiating and receiving Occupational Therapy services a smooth experience. The Stephenville clinic is outfitted with the appropriate assessment and exercise equipment to effectively carry out Occupational Therapy services and we pride ourselves on offering a professional, welcoming, and respectful environment to clients/patients.