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Get Back to Living: How Occupational Therapy at Hammond-Henry Hospital Restores Independence
Small movements, big victories — rediscover comfort, confidence, and the joy of daily life
Imagine not being able to button your favorite shirt, lift a coffee mug, or type an email without pain. These everyday actions seem simple — until they aren’t. When an injury, surgery, or chronic condition limits your ability to move freely, it can change everything about how you live.
At Hammond-Henry Hospital, our occupational therapy team helps patients get back to doing the things that make life enjoyable — safely, confidently, and independently. Whether it’s teaching you how to reach overhead again, improving fine motor skills, or helping you adapt your home for comfort and safety, we’re here to make daily life feel a little easier (and a lot more “you”).
What Is Occupational Therapy, Really?
If you’ve ever wondered what occupational therapy actually is — you’re not alone. Despite the name, it’s not just about your job. “Occupation” simply means the activities that occupy your time — from brushing your teeth and cooking dinner to playing a sport or holding your grandchild.
Occupational therapy focuses on helping people participate in the meaningful activities of daily life. At Hammond-Henry Hospital, our team of therapists works with patients to:
- Relearn fine motor skills after injury or surgery
- Adapt homes, tools, and routines for greater safety and ease
- Improve coordination, balance, and sensory processing
- Incorporate assistive devices when needed
It’s hands-on, personalized, and empowering. Whether you’re recovering from surgery, living with a chronic condition, or helping your child develop essential skills, occupational therapy is about finding creative, practical solutions that fit your life.
When Shoulder Pain Tries to Run the Show
Shoulder pain has a sneaky way of interfering with everyday life — from reaching a cereal box to brushing your hair. The shoulder joint is one of the most mobile joints in the body, but all that freedom comes at a price: it’s also one of the most vulnerable to strain and injury.
At Hammond-Henry Hospital, we often see patients with shoulder conditions that make lifting, reaching, or even sleeping painful. While anyone can experience shoulder issues, some people are more at risk:
- Kids and teens who spend long hours gaming, doing schoolwork, or using mobile devices (hello, “tech neck”)
- Athletes, especially in throwing sports like baseball or softball
- Adults with desk jobs or physically demanding work involving repetitive motion
- Older adults with conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis, which can limit mobility and affect posture
Let’s take a closer look at a few common shoulder conditions we treat — and how occupational therapy helps you get back to moving freely again.
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Shoulder impingement syndrome happens when the rotator cuff tendons or nearby bursae become compressed. That compression causes inflammation and pain — often making it hard to lift your arm without wincing.
Common causes include poor posture, overuse, or muscle imbalance in the shoulder complex. Think of it as the shoulder’s version of “too many cooks in the kitchen.”
Occupational therapy treatment may include:
- Pain management with heat, ice, or ultrasound
- Gentle stretching to restore range of motion
- Strengthening the shoulder and surrounding muscles
- Education on posture and body mechanics for everyday activities
As strength and mobility improve, patients often find they can return to everyday tasks like dressing, reaching, or carrying groceries without pain — and maybe even get back to their golf swing.
Biceps Tendonitis
If you’ve ever felt a deep ache in the front of your shoulder after throwing a ball or carrying a heavy bag, you might’ve met biceps tendonitis. It’s caused by inflammation in the tendon that connects your biceps to your shoulder, often from repetitive overhead movement or crossing the arm across the body too often.
Treatment with occupational therapy focuses on:
- Managing inflammation and pain
- Correcting posture and movement patterns that strain the shoulder
- Strengthening the entire shoulder complex for balance and endurance
It’s not just about healing the tendon — it’s about retraining the shoulder to move better long-term, so you can avoid reinjury.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)
Thoracic outlet syndrome sounds complicated, but it basically means that nerves or blood vessels in the neck area are getting squeezed — often by tight muscles or poor posture. The result? Pain, numbness, or tingling that can run down your arm.
Causes can range from trauma (like a car accident) to repetitive movements or even carrying heavy bags on one shoulder.
Occupational therapy treatment for TOS includes:
- Techniques to “open up space” in the neck and shoulder area through stretching and mobilization
- Nerve gliding and posture training
- Strengthening and ergonomic education to prevent recurrence
Many patients notice that once pressure is relieved, daily activities like typing, driving, or reaching overhead become much more comfortable.
Home Remedies (and When to Call in the Pros)
Sometimes, minor shoulder aches can be managed at home. Here are a few things you can try before calling our friendly neighborhood occupational therapists:
- Rest smart. Avoid overhead lifting or repetitive motion that aggravates pain.
- Use ice or heat. Ice can help calm inflammation, while moist heat soothes stiffness.
- Watch your posture. A slouched spine can spell trouble for your shoulders.
- Gentle motion. Keep the joint moving gently to prevent stiffness but stop if pain increases.
But if the pain lingers longer than a few days, interrupts your sleep, or makes basic tasks like dressing or reaching difficult — it’s time to see a professional. Persistent pain or numbness could indicate something more serious, and occupational therapy can help identify and treat the root cause.
To schedule an appointment or learn more, contact Hammond-Henry Hospital Rehabilitation Services at (309) 944-9150 or visit our other services.