Diagnosis-Specific Treatment Ideas

Neurological Conditions

    • Bed mobility, ADL retraining

    • Hemiplegia management (positioning, one-handed techniques)

    • Visual-perceptual training

    • Cognitive assessment and compensatory strategies

    • UE motor recovery and tone management

    • Cognitive stimulation and orientation

    • ADLs with cues/adaptations

    • Sensory regulation

    • Splinting for contracture prevention

    • Family education

    • Pressure relief education

    • Adaptive techniques for self-care

    • UE strengthening and coordination

    • Bowel/bladder routine training

    • Assistive technology introduction

    • Activity tolerance building

    • Safety education

    • Cognitive screening

    • Seizure precautions during ADLs

    • Fatigue management

    • Executive function tasks

    • Equipment needs for ADL independence

    • Visual scanning and balance retraining

Wolf, T. J., Baum, C. M., & Connor, L. T. (2009). Changing face of stroke: Implications for occupational therapy practice. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 63(5), 621–625. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.63.5.621

Seale, G. S., & Bergquist, T. F. (2018). Rehabilitation for traumatic brain injury. In D. X. Cifu (Ed.), Braddom’s Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (6th ed.). Elsevier.

Cardiopulmonary Conditions

    • Energy conservation techniques

    • Pacing strategies during ADLs

    • Education on safe exertion levels (MET levels)

    • Monitoring vitals with activity

    • Sternal precautions education

    • Light ADL retraining with monitoring

    • Adaptive techniques to avoid strain

    • Home safety education

    • Family education

    • Pursed-lip breathing with tasks

    • Dyspnea control techniques

    • Education on oxygen use with mobility

    • Simplified self-care routines

Liebel, D. V., Powers, B., Friedman, B., & Watson, N. M. (2015). Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation and occupational therapy: Evidence and practice. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 69(1), 6901290020p1–p6. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2015.012468

Orthopedic Conditions

    • Hip precautions education

    • Bed, toilet, and chair transfers

    • ADL training with adaptive equipment

    • Fall prevention strategies

    • Log rolling and spinal precautions

    • Body mechanics during tasks

    • ADL retraining with equipment

    • Adaptive strategies for dressing and bathing

    • One-handed ADL techniques

    • Donning/doffing sling

    • Passive ROM within protocol

    • Pain management techniques

Smith, E., & Bielefeld, S. (2020). Occupational therapy in orthopedic care: Clinical essentials for rehabilitation. Slack Incorporated.

Medical/ Surgical Conditions

    • Tolerance-building activities

    • Delirium prevention (orientation, stimulation)

    • Basic self-care retraining

    • Positioning to prevent skin breakdown

    • Fatigue management

    • Light ADLs and mobility

    • Pain control strategies

    • Psychosocial support

    • Splinting and positioning

    • Edema control

    • Scar management

    • Gentle ADLs

Hopkins, R. O., & Jackson, J. C. (2006). Short- and long-term cognitive outcomes in ICU survivors. Critical Care Clinics, 22(1), 69–82. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ccc.2005.10.004

Schweickert, W. D., & Kress, J. P. (2011). Implementing early mobilization interventions in mechanically ventilated patients in the ICU. Chest, 140(6), 1612–1617. https://doi.org/10.1378/chest.10-2936

ICU / Critical Care Diagnoses

    • Basic grooming and hygiene

    • Positioning for pulmonary hygiene

    • ROM and early mobility

    • Communication alternatives (AAC boards)

    • Sensory stimulation

    • Orientation activities

    • Family education

    • Sleep-wake regulation support

Chronic or Systemic Conditions

    • Energy conservation

    • ADL retraining around dialysis

    • UE strengthening

    • Education on skin integrity

    • Foot care education

    • Adaptive dressing/bathing

    • Amputation care and desensitization

    • ADL retraining with DME

Geriatric Syndromes

    • Fall recovery techniques

    • Bed-to-chair transfers

    • Strengthening through function

    • Home setup planning

    • Routine-based ADLs

    • Environmental cueing

    • Caregiver training

    • Engagement in familiar tasks

American Occupational Therapy Association. (2014). Occupational therapy’s role with older adults with low vision. AOTA Fact Sheet. https://www.aota.org

Resnick, B., Boltz, M., Galik, E., & Pretzer-Aboff, I. (2012). Restorative care nursing for older adults: A guide for all care settings. Springer Publishing Company.