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Occupational Therapy

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy is skilled treatment that helps individuals achieve independence in all facets of their lives. Occupational therapy assists people in developing "skills for the job of living" necessary for independent and satisfying lives. HCHS Rehabilitation services include:

  • Driving Assessments
  • Individualized evaluation with the client, their family as appropriate, and occupational therapist
  • Customized treatment programs to improve ones ability to perform daily activities
  • Comprehensive home adaptation recommendations
  • Lymphedema
  • Performance skills assessments and treatment
  • Adaptive equipment recommendations and usage training
  • Guidance to family members and caregivers

Some of the health conditions that benefit from occupational therapy include:

  • Work-related musculoskeletal injuries, repetitive use injuries
  • Limitations following a stroke or heart attack
  • Arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or other serious chronic conditions
  • Birth injuries, learning problems, or developmental disabilities
  • Burns, spinal cord injuries from falls, sports injuries, or accidents
  • Vision or cognitive problems that threaten daily activity

HCHS Occupational Therapist Kerri Frideres also has earned an advanced certification in hand and upper extremity occupational therapy by having three years of experience, 4,000 hours of upper extremity treatment, and completion of an exam. Hand and upper extremity therapy may help people who have suffered from:

  • Fractures of the hand or arm;
  • Lacerations and amputations;
  • Burns;
  • Surgical repair of tendons and nerves; and
  • Conditions such as tendonitis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, and carpal tunnel

What do Occupational Therapy Practitioners do?

Occupational Therapists ask, "what matters to you?" not "what's the matter with you?"

Occupational therapy practitioners are skilled professionals whose education includes the study of human growth with specific emphasis on the social, emotional, and physiological effects of illness and injury.

Whether you're recovering from an illness or injury or have a permanent disability, occupational therapy practitioners make sure you can do all the things that are important to you. Sometimes they help you do something in a different way and sometimes they suggest adaptations to help you be as independent as possible.

Garner Rehabilitation Clinic


365 W. 8th Street, Garner (located in the Garner Veterans Recreation Center)


Phone: 641-923-2484


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Garner Medical Clinic


730 3rd Street, Garner


Phone: 641-843-5500


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Hancock County Health System Wellness Center


532 1st Streeet SW, Britt


Phone: 641-843-5500


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HCHS Kanawha Medical Clinic


106 North Main Street, Kanawha


641-843-5500


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