Movement Disorder Patients Rediscover Daily Life with Occupational Therapy

How occupational therapy benefits movement disorder patients

Occupational therapy is an integral part of the Movement Disorders Program. It focuses on cognitive, perceptual balance and neuromuscular problems as they relate to functional living tasks including bathing, grooming, eating, sleeping and toileting. Therapists assess individual needs and situations for recommending adaptive aids and equipment for functional independence.

Occupational therapy for Parkinson's disease and movement disorders is effective in the following areas:

• Improving independence in functional daily living
• Improving range of motion, strength and endurance
• Improving fine motor coordination skills such as handwriting
• Increased speed and reaction time efficiency for task completion
• Learning to use adaptive equipment for work simplification and energy conservation
• Involving and training care partners in effective self-help, exercise and adaptive techniques to improve and sustain performance

For more information on specialized therapy services at the Institute of Neurosciences

Occupational therapy services are available with a physician referral. Please call the following numbers for more information:

St. Joseph's Hospital- (912) 819-2446 

Candler Hospital- (912) 819-6176