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Occupational therapists at Shriners Children's help kids to be independent, focusing on what is important to them and what they love to do in their daily lives.

Our specialists understand that play is the primary occupation of a child. Treating infants all the way to teens, occupational therapists at Shriners Children’s have the education and expertise to care for children with a wide variety of conditions, such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy or those with a limb difference.

Our occupational therapists help children with basic skills such as dressing, bathing or feeding. By working with each child on their handwriting or on the grasping and releasing of toys, we can help them succeed in school. We play with Legos or board games to help the child’s hand-eye coordination, which encourages taking turns, as well as problem solving. Playing with dolls or stuffed animals can improve a child’s social skills.

The focus of an occupational therapist is on providing new strategies, exercises and activities, education, and adapting the environment to fit the specific needs of the child and their family.

Here at Shriners Children’s, we make occupational therapy fun while challenging children to reach their goals so they can be as independent as possible.

Specific treatments and services may vary by location. Please contact a specific location for more information.

Physical Therapy

One of the benefits to receiving rehabilitative therapy at Shriners Children's is the wealth of pediatric clinical and medical expertise available to patients. Therapists enhance patient outcomes by collaborating both clinically and through research with the hospital’s on-site motion analysis center and Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services (POPS).

Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services (POPS)

Across the Shriners Children's healthcare system, our Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services (POPS) departments specialize in custom fabrication of artificial limbs and orthotic bracing for children, adolescents and young adults. Upper and lower limb prostheses and orthoses are fabricated and fit with a focus on comfort, function, appearance and improved mobility.

When I see a child succeed at something, I can’t have any greater joy. It’s written all over their face and body.
Denise, Springfield, MA
female patient and therapist during physical therapy session

Pediatric Rehabilitation

Shriners Children's pediatric rehabilitation program supports your child physically, developmentally and emotionally.

Conditions We Support

View All Related Conditions

Sports Injury Surgery

Sports injuries are common among young athletes, and these injuries sometimes require surgery. Shriners Children's can evaluate injuries and determine if surgery is the best option for treatment.

Limb Deficiencies

Shriners Children's specializes in treating limb deficiencies, which occur when part or all of a child's limb does not completely form during pregnancy or as a result of a major injury.

Electrical Burns

At Shriners Children's, our team uses advanced diagnostics and innovative treatments to care for electrical burns.

Arthrogryposis

Shriners Children's physicians have vast experience treating arthrogryposis, a rare muscle disorders that causes stiff joints and abnormal muscle development.

Cerebral Palsy

At Shriners Children's, our team of specialists provides individualized care for your child with cerebral palsy.

Spina Bifida

At Shriners Children's, our unique team of specialists provides the highest quality care for your child with spina bifida.

Cleft Lip

When a baby is born with a cleft lip, Shriners Children's team approach provides leading cleft lip surgery and addresses the entire range of concerns for parents related to cleft lip and alveolar cleft.

Cleft Palate

A cleft palate occurs when tissues that form the roof of the mouth don’t join together before birth. Shriners Children’s team care repairs and restores each child physically and psychologically.

Next Steps

Request an Appointment

Families and caregivers seeking treatment should start by contacting us for an appointment.

Log in to the Patient Portal

Parents and guardians of existing patients can email, request records, schedule appointments and more.

Refer a Patient

Physicians and healthcare providers can request appointments, start transfers or contact us with questions.