The occupational therapists at the JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute (JRI) in central New Jersey help clients regain independence in activities of daily living after an injury or illness. These activities include grooming, bathing, dressing and homemaking. Our occupational therapists also provide hand rehabilitation, driver training evaluation, vision therapy, lymphedema management, UE amputee training, and treatment of UE repetitive strain injuries. 

JRI's outpatient Occupational Therapy Department also has access to state-of-the-art technology such as the ReoRobot, Bioness H200, and BTE.

Driver Evaluation and Training Program

To register for JRI's Driver Evaluation and Training Program, to refer a client or to receive more information, please call 732-321-7056 or visit the Driver Evaluation and Training Program page.

Hand and Upper Extremity Therapy

JRI's Hand and Upper Extremity Therapy program in NJ is designed to meet the unique needs of patients who have limitations or dysfunction of the hand resulting from disease, injury or surgery. This program brings together both occupational therapists and physical therapists to evaluate and treat clients with hand or upper extremity problems.

These services can be especially beneficial for patients with: 

• Acute orthopedic trauma to the wrist or hand, including tendon injuries, crush injuries and lacerations
• Repetitive trauma of the wrist or hand
• Neurological conditions affecting the upper extremity
• Postoperative conditions including tendon repairs, joint replacements and nerve decompressions

After a comprehensive evaluation of the affected hand or upper extremity at our NJ facility, our therapist will develop an individualized treatment program to meet the specific needs of the patient. Each therapy program is designed with the patient's goals in mind and is created to maximize the functional outcome of the affected hand or extremity. The services offered in the Hand Therapy program include: 

• Instruction in the management of edema and scar formation
• Individualized exercise programs including strengthening, stretching and coordination exercises
• Fabrication and procurement of splints to protect the hand, correct deformities of the hand or to increase motion of the hand
• Use of modalities such as paraffin baths, fluidotherapy, ultrasound and/or electrical stimulation to decrease pain or increase range of motion and strength
• Desensitization and sensory re-training following nerve trauma or surgery
• Instruction in ergonomics, including joint protection, energy conservation and work simplification techniques

To enter this program, patients must have a prescription from a medical doctor indicating the need for occupational therapy.

For more information about JRI's NJ Hand and Upper Extremity Therapy program, please call 732-321-7056.