April is National Occupational Therapy Month and Milton Hospital is taking this opportunity to recognize the team of therapists and their commitment to providing a personalized, hands-on approach in promoting functional independence.

“Occupational therapy enables people of all ages to live life to its fullest by providing preventative treatment or helping patients function better with an injury, illness, or disability,” said Milton Hospital Director of Rehabilitative Services James Lawson.  “The Milton Hospital staff is dedicated to help maximize the patients’ potential to improve their medical outcomes.”  Occupational Therapy aids in the recovery from injury to regain motor skills, supports for older adults through physical and cognitive changes, and aids in the efforts of preventing surgical procedures.

Ellen Carr is a certified hand therapist at Milton Hospital’s Rehab Services Department. She brings a high skill level and advanced training to treat complicated injuries relating to trauma or surgical recovery for hands, elbows and shoulders.

Through her detailed activity analysis and study of a patient’s body mechanics, Ellen has developed successful treatment plans that prevent or delay surgical procedures.  With many patients, Ellen provides training on special exercises that help alleviate pain.  Other patients may benefit from Ellen’s well-recognized custom made splints.  These assistive devices are designed to address a specific injury, and conform to a specific patient’s size.  They can be built to rest one body structure while mobilizing or stretching another.  Ellen works closely with physicians and surgeons to develop these devices to suit each patient’s needs.

Ellen states that, “Some movement patterns and postures we assume in our daily activities can inadvertently lead to joint and muscle strains.  Often pain and weakness in the arms and hands can be reduced or alleviated through therapeutic interventions before they turn into chronic problems.”