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Occupational Therapy
General Services
Providence Therapy Department provides services for outpatients, skilled and acute inpatients, home health patients and long-term care residents with physician referral.
Mission Statement
Providence Medical Center Therapy staff will respond to physicians’ orders in an expedient and professional manner, provide ethical outcome-based intervention, and interact with others with respect and a positive attitude.
Hours of Operation
8:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday
Special appointments may be scheduled on an individual basis.
Phone:
(402)375-7937 or (877)375-PTOT (7868)
Fax:
(402)375-7956
Providence Medical Center (south entrance to the west addition)
1200 Providence Road
Wayne, NE 68787
Wildcat Sports Medicine Center (located in the upper level of the Rec Center)
Wayne State College
Wayne, NE
Phone: (402)375-7937 or 877-375-PTOT (7868)
Wakefield Health Care Center (located on the west end of the Care Center)
306 Ash St
Wakefield, NE
Phone: (877)375-PTOT (7868)
Providence Therapy Outreach Clinic
699 Cedar Ave.
Laurel, NE
Phone: (402)256-9564 or 877-375-PTOT (7868)
Occupational Therapy Staff:
 Michelle Dietrich, OTR/L
Pam Downing, OTR/L
Occupational therapists are health and rehabilitation professionals who work to maximize independence of individuals limited by physical injury or illness. Occupational therapy professionals utilize exercise, purposeful activity, and adaptive equipment to teach daily living skills to optimize function. Other areas of intervention may include cognitive, perceptual, and safety-related evaluation and training.
Therapy Services Offered
Aquatic Therapy
Aquatic therapy is the fastest growing area of physical and occupational therapy and rehabilitation. An aquatic therapy program through PMC offers our patients a chance to have early effective outcomes through active rather than passive treatments. Water supports and challenges, while promoting a return to full function. In summary, an aquatic physical and occupational therapy program gives PMC a chance to provide a service that meets the needs of the communities we serve.
Ergonomics
PMC therapists work with their patients and PMC employees in evaluating job-related or hobby-related ergonomic hazards. PMC therapists evaluate and redesign workstations to promote optimal posture and body position.
Prosthetic Training
Our therapists, in conjunctions with a Prosthetist or Orthotist, fit patients and train them in the use of prosthetic or orthotic devices.
Wheelchair Positioning
Wheelchairs are evaluated and properly fitted to each individual, taking into consideration environment, ability, comfort and safety. Wheelchairs may be adapted or modified with equipment to maximize proper alignment of the head, trunk and extremities.
Lymphedema
What is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema is a swelling of a body part, most often an extremity, caused by an abnormal accumulation of lymph (interstitial) fluid. Lymphedema may be caused by an anomaly present at birth, but is more commonly due to events which occur during the lifespan. The following is a list of common causes of lymphedema.
Surgery e.g.: breast cancer, malignant melanoma, prostate and bladder cancer, lymphoma, hysterectomy for cancer, radical groin dissection.
Trauma
While treatment can vastly improve lymphedema, there is no permanent cure for this disease.
How Does One Prevent Lymphedema?
Avoid temperature extremes (no hot tubs, no sunburns)
Avoid infections and injury
General Consideration
Diet-excellent overall nutrition
Avoid alcohol and nicotine as much as possible
Avoid obesity
Meticulous cleanliness including skin and nail care
Sleep with limb elevated or wrapped
Exercise - walking or swimming
Use hypoallergenic products
Seek treatment for slight changes in lymphedema
Treat infections vigorously
Avoid high-heeled shoes
Travel with limb elevated or wrapped
How is Lymphedema Treated?
Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is a gentle manual treatment, which improves the activity of the lymph system. MLD reroutes lymph flow around blocked areas into more centrally located, healthy lymph vessels which drain into the venous system.
Compression Bandaging is the application to minimally elastic cotton bandages to increase the tissue pressure in the swollen extremity. Bandaging improves the efficiency of muscle and joint pumps. Bandaging prevents the reaccumulation of evacuated lymph fluid. Bandaging helps break up accumulated scar and connective tissue.
Remedial Exercises are preformed with bandages or the support garment in place. These exercises are designed to improve lymph circulation through the muscle joint pump.
Meticulous Skin and Nail Care eliminates bacterial and fungal growth and reduces the chance of infection.
Benefits of Lymphedema Treatment
Decrease risk/incidence of infection
Prevent progression of disease
Prevent connective and scar tissue formation in affected areas
Improve extremity function for increased ease with activities of daily living, work and leisure
Improve self-esteem
Neurological Services
Clients who have experienced neurological damage, such as stroke or head injury, or have a chronic neurological disease (multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease) may benefit from a complete assessment of functional capabilities. Specialized therapy techniques by trained therapists maximize a client’s potential for independence and safety in the home and the community. A combination of occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy may be necessary to provide a comprehensive treatment program.
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