We frequently work with local speech and occupational therapists to follow through on their recommendations for your child as part of our programs. Many of Bridges's former clients are now functioning at grade level with no additional support in regular education classrooms. Some of these had PDD diagnoses, and others had autism diagnoses. Several no longer fit the criteria for an autistic spectrum disorder diagnosis.

In a creative arts therapy, language skills and overall living skills are acquired, developed, and enhanced through engaging the client in purposeful and meaningful experiences in a long-term therapeutic relationship. A person involved in speech and occupational therapies can bring to fruition the integration of language and physical skills, discovering and fortifying these resources through creative expression.

Occupational therapy specializes in the treatment of upper extremity injuries and disorders to the wrist, hand, and elbow. Our occupational therapists commonly treat orthopedic and neurological impairments and have extensive experience with post surgical management. Our occupational therapists work with patients to restore functional pain free use of their arms and hands in daily activities.

Most rehabilitation is covered by insurance, however health plans may vary. Our office staff will assist you in determining your coverage.

Yes. Physical, Speech and Occupational Therapy are available for homebound adults and children. Experienced and highly trained physical therapists provide gait training, range of motion exercises, muscle strengthening, and transfer training until the patient returns to an optimal level of functioning. Speech and Occupational therapy are also available for those who find it difficult to attend out-patient therapy.

RRP patients with voice problems often carry a lot of tension in their necks and in the muscles used to control the vocal cords. This is because they learned to compensate so that they might be better understood. A voice therapist can help the patient learn to relax some of these chronic, unconscious tensions, which may make it easier to talk, especially if damage has occurred from over-aggressive surgery.

Because of the cleft in the roof of the mouth, children with cleft palate cannot seal off the nose when they talk. This may make the speech sound “hypernasal”. By repairing the cleft at the appropriate time many children develop normal speech. Despite palate surgery some children are unable to effectively seal off the nose when speaking and they may require speech therapy or an additional surgical procedure.

Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy are offered for Inpatients and Outpatients at Doctors Community Hospital. Appointments with Physical Therapy can be scheduled by calling 301-552-8507. Occupational and Speech Therapy patients may call 301-552-8134 to schedule an appointment.

The primary occupation of children is play. Through play, children learn the foundation of skills necessary for success in school, among peers, and in activities of daily living. Play involves exploring/interacting with their environment, people, objects, and toys. As children grow older, they also take on the role of the student. As a student, the child is responsible for academic skills such as writing, drawing, cutting with scissors, and paying attention.

Occupational Therapists who specialize in pediatrics are trained to create opportunities for children to master developmental tasks and achieve independence in their home, school, and community. A few reasons for referral for evaluation and treatment include clumsiness, difficulty with grasp or motor skills and difficulty playing or socializing effectively. Direct service or consultation may be provided by your school's therapist if your child's difficulties directly interfere with education.

There is no well defined boundary between Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physical Therapy (PT), so it's easy to see why the public is often confused by the differences between the two professions. The fact of this "overlap" between these two health care disciplines often works to the public's advantage, as frequently both occupational and physical therapists work with a patient at the same time, and coordinate treatments closely with one another.