Frequently Asked Questions

Occupational hand therapy focuses on helping individuals recover from injuries, surgeries, or conditions affecting the hand, wrist, or upper extremities. Therapists work to improve strength, mobility, and function, enabling patients to regain their ability to perform daily tasks and activities.

Hand therapists treat a wide range of conditions, including fractures, arthritis, tendon injuries, nerve damage, carpal tunnel syndrome, repetitive strain injuries (like tennis elbow), and post-surgical rehabilitation.

Yes! Occupational hand therapy can help manage chronic conditions like arthritis by reducing pain, improving joint mobility, and teaching joint protection techniques. Therapists may also suggest assistive devices or modifications to make daily tasks easier.

During a session, your hand therapist will assess your condition, discuss your goals, and guide you through exercises, stretches, or hands-on techniques. They may also teach you strategies to modify your daily activities to reduce strain on your hands and wrists.

Most people are referred to hand therapy by their primary care physician or a hand surgeon. Due to Oregon Licensure, Occupational Therapists and Certified Hand Therapists can see people on a direct referral basis (in other words, you can refer yourself to therapy).Our reception staff is trained in checking insurance benefits. Keep in mind, if your insurance does not want to pay, we can offer you the "Cash Payment" rate and work out a payment plan if needed.

Although some patients only require one visit, some cases can take much more time. The average number of treatments for a hand injury is approximately six visits or about three to four weeks. This can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the demands of use on completion of treatment. Our hand therapists can give you a much clearer idea of the amount of care that will be required after your initial evaluation appointment.

Most insurance companies do cover these therapies, but it is always a good idea to double-check. Our reception staff deals with pre-authorizations of treatment daily. Feel free to call our office and they will help you through the process.

Pediatric occupational therapy helps children develop the skills they need for daily activities, such as dressing, eating, writing, and playing. Therapists work with children to improve their fine motor skills, sensory processing, social skills, and overall independence in everyday tasks.

Pediatric occupational therapists treat a variety of conditions, including developmental delays, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, sensory processing disorder, cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, and motor coordination issues like dyspraxia.

Sessions typically involve fun, play-based activities that target specific skills like fine motor coordination, sensory integration, or social interaction. Therapists may use toys, games, or crafts to engage your child and help them practice these skills in a safe, supportive environment.

Children with special needs are generally referred to therapy by their Pediatrician. In order to initiate this process, schedule an appointment for your child with their Pediatrician and plan to discuss your current concerns regarding your child's movement, learning abilities, or behaviors. Please feel free to request that the Pediatrician call our office to discuss specific needs of the treatment plan prior to the first visit.

Picky and resistant eating can be a typical part of childhood development, however, when the pickiness persists for an extended period of time, is extreme, or creates child/parent anxiety, it can become concerning for patients and professionals. Cause for concern occurs when your child is not eating enough quantity or variety to support healthy emotional, social, and/or physical development. It can also be a cause for concern when pickiness is a significant source of conflict, stress, or anxiety for you and/or your child.

The duration of therapy depends on your child’s individual needs and goals. Some children may need a few sessions to build confidence in specific areas, while others may require more long-term therapy for ongoing challenges. Your therapist will regularly assess progress and adjust the treatment plan accordingly.

Most insurance companies do cover these therapies, but it is always a good idea to double-check. Our reception staff deals with pre-authorizations of treatment daily. Feel free to call our office and they will help you through the process.

Orthopedic physical therapy focuses on treating injuries or conditions related to the muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. Physical therapists help improve movement, reduce pain, and restore function to areas affected by orthopedic issues, such as sports injuries, fractures, arthritis, or post-surgical recovery.

Orthopedic physical therapists treat a variety of conditions, including sprains and strains, fractures, ligament injuries, tendonitis, arthritis, post-surgical rehabilitation (e.g., after joint replacement), herniated discs, rotator cuff injuries, and sports-related injuries.

During a session, your physical therapist will evaluate your condition, discuss your symptoms and goals, and create a treatment plan specific to your needs. Therapy may include exercises, manual therapy (hands-on techniques), stretching, strength training, and modalities like heat, cold, or electrical stimulation to reduce pain and promote healing.

Most health insurance plans cover physical therapy, but the specifics can vary. Be sure to check with your insurance provider to confirm your benefits, any co-pays or deductibles, and whether you need a referral. Your clinic’s billing department can also help you understand the costs.

In many cases, a doctor’s referral is not required, depending on your location and insurance. However, some insurance plans may require a referral, especially for specialized care or for conditions covered by certain medical guidelines. It's a good idea to check with your insurance provider or clinic.