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Kootenai Health
Bone & Joint
Orthopedic care for injuries, joint pain and movement concerns, including advanced joint replacement, sports medicine, trauma care and recovery.

Brain & Spine
Neurologists, neurosurgeons and rehabilitation specialists with leading technology and treatment options for a wide range of brain, spine and nerve conditions.

Cancer Care
Nationally accredited cancer care with specialists working together on advanced treatment options, clinical trials and support through every step.
Digestive Health
Digestive specialists who diagnose and treat everything from routine screenings and ongoing symptoms to advanced procedures, IBD and liver disease.

Heart, Vascular & Lung
Nationally recognized specialists for heart, blood vessel and lung conditions, from testing and ongoing treatment to advanced procedures and surgery.

Women & Children
Connected care for women, babies and children, from everyday health needs and pregnancy to specialized hospital care when more support is needed.
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Kootenai Health in the Community
Rooted in community. Driven by care for all.
From sponsoring local events like Ironman to ensuring every neighbor has access to care, we're here for our community—because caring for our neighbors is who we are.
Community Involvement
Regaining abilities. Reclaiming your life.
Regaining abilities. Reclaiming your life.

Occupational Therapy (OT)

Regaining abilities. Reclaiming your life.

Occupational Therapy (OT)

The goal of recovery is your independence.

First button you fasten. First meal you cook. First drive. Your first day back at work. Occupational therapy starts with one question: What do you want to get back? We create a rehabilitation plan built around the everyday activities that matter most to you—whether that's caring for your family after suffering a stroke, returning to work after an injury, driving with confidence, or helping your child build skills for school and daily life. Our Occupational therapists collaborate closely with other rehabilitative specialists based on your needs, including Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology, and physicians in Neurology, Physiatry, Orthopedics, Hand Surgeons, and Pediatrics. From the hospital to outpatient recovery, we help you develop skills, tools, and strategies to regain independence in the moments that’s most meaningful to you. 

Certified Specialists

Expertise for complex rehabilitation
Certified specialists provide expert care for hand therapy, driver rehabilitation, stroke, traumatic brain injuries, lymphedema, and other complex occupational therapy needs.

Meaningful Daily Progress

Independence in everyday life
Your care plan is built around the activities that matter most to you—at home, at work, and in your community.

More Than Traditional OT

Specialized services for every stage of recovery
From return to work to adaptive equipment, assessment, and training, we help remove barriers to daily life.
“We meet people where they are and build a plan around what matters most to them. Our experts partner across Kootenai Health to deliver connected care. Together, we're building the region's most comprehensive rehab department.”
— Tyler Blackwelder, DPT, Director of Rehabilitation Services

Specialty Programs

Hand Therapy
Certified Hand Therapists (CHT) help restore strength, movement, and function after injury, surgery, and conditions affecting the hand and upper extremity.
Driver Rehabilitation
Clinical driving evaluation and training services include adaptive equipment recommendations, behind-the-wheel assessment and training, and driver training for neurodivergent patients who are learning to drive. Driver training is also available for individuals who may benefit from additional instruction and support to develop safe, confident driving skills.

How We Help You

Neurologic Rehabilitation

Occupational therapy helps people regain independence after neurologic injury or illness by improving everyday function, mobility, and participation.

  • Stroke
  • Brain injury
  • Concussion
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
  • Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT)
  • Interactive Metronome®
  • Adaptive equipment and home strategy recommendations
Daily Living & Independence

Occupational therapy focuses on the activities that help you live independently at home and in your community.

  • Dressing, bathing, and grooming
  • Meal preparation and feeding
  • Fine motor coordination
  • Adaptive equipment recommendations
  • Wheelchair seating and positioning
  • Home and community accessibility strategies
  • Caregiver education and training
Hand & Upper Extremity Therapy

Helping restore strength, movement, and function after injury, surgery, or conditions affecting the hand, wrist, and arm.

  • Tendon and nerve injuries
  • Fractures and post-surgical recovery
  • Arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
  • Repetitive strain injuries
  • Custom splinting and orthotics
  • Scar and edema management
  • Progressive strengthening and functional recovery
Work, Driving & Community

Occupational therapy helps you safely return to the activities that keep you connected to your life, whether that's working, driving, volunteering, or participating in your community.

  • Return-to-work rehabilitation
  • Driver rehabilitation services
  • Clinical driving evaluations
  • Adaptive vehicle and adaptive driver recommendations
  • Behind-the-wheel training evaluation and training

For patients whose driving ability has been affected by injury, neurologic conditions, or aging, our Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS) evaluates the physical, cognitive, and visual skills needed for safe driving. When appropriate, we provide behind-the-wheel assessments, training, and recommendations for adaptive equipment or vehicle modifications.

Driver rehabilitation may benefit:

  • Adults recovering from stroke, brain injury, or other neurologic conditions
  • Veterans with service-related injuries or conditions
  • Neurodivergent individuals
  • Adults experiencing age-related changes or early dementia
  • Individuals whose family members or providers have concerns about driving safety

We work closely with patients, families, and healthcare providers to support safe, confident mobility whenever possible.

Note: A valid driver's license or learner's permit is required for behind-the-wheel assessments.

Explore Other Rehabilitation Services

Physical Therapy
Advanced physical therapy for movement, performance, and recovery—with board-certified specialists, leading technology, and care that spans hospital and outpatient settings.
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Speech Therapy
Speech-language pathologists with advanced expertise in swallowing, voice, feeding, cognition, and communication disorders.
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Pediatric Therapy
Coordinated physical, occupational, and speech therapy designed to support children and families from infancy through young adulthood.
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Aquatic Therapy
Warm-water therapy that supports safer movement and earlier progress for orthopedic, neurologic, and chronic pain conditions.
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Rehabilitation Services
One connected rehabilitation system from hospital bedside to outpatient recovery, with specialized expertise and advanced technology close to home.
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Take the next step.

Independence Starts Right Here

We're here to make getting started easier—from answering questions about referrals and insurance to helping you begin your path toward greater independence.

Care Where You Need It

Find occupational therapy services at a location convenient for you.