Occupational Therapy

Inpatient and outpatient occupational therapy in San Diego

A patient and an occupational therapist during a therapy session.

Inpatient and outpatient occupational therapy in San Diego

Scripps Health offers occupational therapy in hospitals, outpatient clinics and home care settings to help adults and children with disabling orthopedic or neurological conditions to recover, maintain or develop daily living skills.


From using a computer to getting dressed, our certified occupational therapists help their patients compensate for the permanent or temporary loss of function caused by illness, injury or surgery.


A referral from the physician who is managing your care is needed prior to making an appointment with an occupational therapist at Scripps.

What is occupational therapy?

Occupational therapy is a type of physical rehabilitation. Scripps occupational therapists in San Diego possess the expertise to help patients improve their ability to perform tasks in their home and work environments. 

Conditions treated

Our highly specialized occupational therapists care for people who are attempting to overcome mental, physical, developmental or emotional challenges caused by, but not limited to, the following:


  • Brain or spinal cord injuries
  • Neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis 
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Cerebrovascular disease, such as stroke 
  • Trauma caused by accidents
  • Recovery from surgery

Types of occupational therapy

Using treatments and activities tailored to each patient’s challenges, occupational therapists help their clients improve reasoning ability and basic motor functions so they can achieve greater independence and lead a more productive life. 


Depending on your unique medical issue, occupational therapy sessions at Scripps may involve a range of different therapies. Some common OT treatments include:


  • Assessment of cognitive abilities in home and work environments
  • Retraining or therapeutic intervention to improve independence in activities of daily living
  • Exercises and activities to improve mobility, dexterity, strength, sensory processing, range of motion and endurance
  • Task modification recommendations
  • Assistive devices to increase independence
  • Wheelchair evaluations
  • Constraint-induced movement therapy
  • Driving evaluation including a clinical assessment, driving simulator and on-the-road driving program testing

Driving program

The Scripps Driving Program is designed to evaluate and provide information for patients, families and the medical team regarding returning to driving. The medical team recognizes that driving is an important part of our lives, independence and well-being.


Using a series of standardized assessments, our occupational therapists and driving rehab specialists will determine whether it’s safe for you or your loved one to continue or resume driving. Our driving program includes a clinical assessment, driving simulator and on-the-road testing in our dual-control car.


Driving rehab location

Scripps Encinitas Rehabilitation Services

Date: Every Mon – Fri (except holidays)

Time: Appointment times are scheduled at a convenient time for you 


Provider’s orders required. Call 760-633-6515 for an appointment.


Who can benefit?

The driving program at Scripps is especially valuable for teen to senior drivers who have experienced or are currently managing symptoms related to the following diagnoses: 


  • Age-related changes
  • Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
  • Brain injury
  • Chronic disabilities
  • Developmental disabilities
  • Diabetes mellitus 
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Other neuro-muscular conditions
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Spinal cord and back injuries
  • Stroke


The following items are needed prior to scheduling an appointment:


  • Provider referral
  • Recent medical records
  • Valid driver license or instruction permit


What does the evaluation consist of?


Clinic evaluation — This part of the evaluation includes:


  • Vision testing
  • Reaction time (driving simulator)
  • Cognitive testing
  • Endurance
  • Active range of motion and strength
  • Coordination and sensation


On-the-road evaluation — If the results of the clinic evaluation demonstrate that an on-the-road evaluation is safe and appropriate, then the evaluation will continue in the Scripps’ specially adapted car. The driving assessment car has dual brake and accelerator and other features that allow our driving rehab therapist to control the vehicle during testing.


Call 760-633-6515 for more information or to schedule a driving evaluation. Please note that provider’s orders are required to participate.

Hand therapy

Using the most advanced techniques and tools, the hand therapy specialists at Scripps Health in San Diego provide rehabilitation services for people with injuries and conditions affecting the upper extremities (arms and hands). Physical therapists or occupational therapists with advanced certification and training provide hand therapy services, including helping their patients overcome physical limitations, build strength and return to a more productive lifestyle.


Common conditions requiring hand therapy

People who are candidates for hand therapy may have had surgery, trauma or disease of the shoulders, arms and hands that left them with wounds, scars, burns, damaged nerves, injured tendons or fractures. 


Common causes that benefit from hand therapy are:


  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Arthritis
  • Tennis elbow
  • Overuse injuries
  • Tendon injuries
  • Nerve compression
  • Shoulder injury or surgery
  • Stroke
  • Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders


From overuse prevention tips to customized rehabilitation exercises and splint fabrication, Scripps hand therapists work closely with orthopedic surgeons, neurologists and other referring physicians to develop the most effective treatment plans. A referral from a doctor is required to begin therapy.


Hand therapy locations

Hand therapy is offered at the following Scripps Health locations in San Diego County:


Multiple sclerosis rehab

For many people living with multiple sclerosis, also called MS, the greatest challenge is managing day-to-day living and side effects, such as numbness and tingling; weakness in the limbs; tremors; visual loss; fatigue; depression; spasticity; and bladder, bowel or sexual problems.


While multiple sclerosis cannot be cured, its symptoms can be managed in part through treatment and rehabilitation, including physical, occupational and speech therapies — allowing you to achieve a better quality of life. But because MS affects every person differently, it’s important that you seek a customized treatment plan tailored for your needs.


MS symptoms and conditions

The goal of rehabilitation for people with multiple sclerosis is to help alleviate symptoms and compensate for some of the physical and neurological problems caused by the disease. Specifically, rehab therapy for multiple sclerosis can address:


  • Muscle and joint stiffness, pain and weakness
  • Balance problems
  • Lack of coordination
  • Trouble walking (gait)
  • Fatigue


Multiple sclerosis therapy

Scripps Health in San Diego offers comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation therapy for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) by therapists who are specially trained to care for people with neurological conditions. Advanced certifications include Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT) certification and neurological clinical specialists (NCS).


As needed for your unique multiple sclerosis treatment plan, you have access to a variety of rehabilitation services, including:


  • Gait assessment
  • Balance assessments
  • Evaluation of daily living activities and adaptations
  • Driving safety assessments
  • Recommendations for energy conservation
  • Recommendations for work simplification
  • Treatment for bladder control issues, including incontinence
  • Cognitive and linguistic evaluations
  • Swallowing evaluations and treatments
  • Nutritional evaluations
  • Assistance with re-entry into the community following hospitalization for MS
  • Patient and family education


Additionally, Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas offers a complete outpatient evaluation designed especially for MS patients whose conditions have changed over time. During our monthly MS clinic, our rehabilitation team assesses everything from functional mobility and cognitive skills to daily living and nutrition — all in a single appointment.


Following a pre-evaluation phone interview, your full evaluation will take approximately three hours. We then provide your referring physician with a detailed evaluation based on the recommendations of our physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, social workers and dietitians.


MS rehab locations 

Parkinson’s disease rehab

Parkinson’s disease is a nervous system disorder that affects movement, producing symptoms such as tremor, stiffness, rigid muscles, speech problems and trouble walking.


Its onset is progressive, meaning symptoms get worse over time, but while Parkinson’s can’t be cured its symptoms can be managed with proper diagnosis and treatment, and rehabilitation including physical, occupational and speech therapies.


Parkinson’s symptoms and rehab treatment

The goal of rehabilitation for people with Parkinson’s is to help alleviate symptoms and compensate for some of the physical and neurological problems caused by the disease. 


Specifically, therapy can address:


  • Muscle and joint stiffness, pain and weakness
  • Balance problems
  • Lack of coordination
  • Trouble walking (gait)
  • Fatigue
  • Speech and voice problems


Parkinson’s disease rehab treatment

Scripps rehabilitation therapists are specially trained to care for people with neurological conditions and treat Parkinson’s patients throughout San Diego. Advanced certifications include Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT) certification, neurological clinical specialists (NCS), and Lee Silverman Voice Treatment certification.


As needed for their particular treatment plan, Scripps patients have access to a variety of physical therapy and occupational services for Parkinson’s disease, including:


  • Gait assessments
  • Balance assessments
  • Evaluation of daily living activities and adaptations
  • Driving safety assessments
  • Recommendations for energy conservation
  • Recommendations for work simplification
  • Treatment for bladder control issues, including incontinence
  • Swallowing evaluations and treatments
  • Speech and voice disorder therapy


Speech and voice therapy

Because speech and voice disorders are common in people with Parkinson’s disease, speech-language pathologists at several Scripps locations specialize in Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) LOUD — an evidence-based training technique that focuses on improving voice quality, articulation and vocal intensity.


LSVT LOUD improves vocal loudness by stimulating the muscles of the voice box (larynx) and speech mechanism through a series of exercises. The goal of treatment is to bring the voice to an improved, healthy loudness level with no strain, so the patient can participate in conversations and have greater confidence in social settings.


Physical therapy

To simultaneously treat the unique movement impairments caused by Parkinson’s disease, physical therapists at several Scripps locations also offer LSVT BIG and Parkinson’s wellness recovery. Using core movements and other exercises, the training focuses on improving speed, trunk rotation, gait and balance.


The LSVT program is offered on an outpatient basis. A referral from a primary care physician or specialist is required.


Parkinson’s disease rehab locations

The following Scripps Health locations in San Diego County offer outpatient rehabilitation services for people with Parkinson’s disease, including physical, occupational and speech therapy:


Pediatric occupational therapy

Occupational therapy is prescribed for people who need help mastering basic life skills. For children, these skills range from eating and dressing to writing and playing.


Pediatric occupational therapists at Scripps Health care for kids from birth to adolescence, using a team approach that is child-friendly and involves parents every step of the way. This coordination is particularly important for children who require a blend of pediatric occupational therapy services, including pediatric speech therapy.


Pediatric occupational therapy services

Scripps pediatric occupational therapists care for children with a variety of medical conditions, developmental issues or learning disorders, including:


  • Infant and child feeding difficulties
  • Failure to thrive (delayed growth or weight gain)
  • Birth defects or birth-related injuries, including Erb’s palsy 
  • Limited range of motion, including torticollis (wryneck)
  • Difficulties with gross motor skills (such as crawling or walking) or fine motor skills (including tying shoes, using utensils and writing)
  • Muscle weakness (hypotonia) or tightness (hypertonia)
  • Developmental disorders, including autism, Asperger syndrome and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) 
  • Genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome 
  • Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)


Additional services include fitting and training for pediatric orthotic devices, such as braces, harnesses and special footwear.


In order to schedule an appointment for pediatric occupational therapy, you will need a referral from your physician. Once you have a referral, please call Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego, Pediatric Rehabilitation Services, at 619-260-7161.

Stroke rehab

The goal of stroke rehabilitation is to help your loved one relearn skills and abilities and return to productive, independent living. 


Stroke OT and PT rehab therapies include:


  • Cognitive skills development
  • Manual therapy
  • Neuromuscular re-education
  • Assistive and adaptive device training (including crutches, prosthesis, orthotics and wheelchairs)
  • Home exercise instructions
  • Patient education


Scripps also offers the full continuum of care for stroke patients who require rehabilitation, ranging from our brain injury day treatment program to outpatient stroke rehab and home health rehabilitation. Learn more about our comprehensive stroke recovery services.

Wheelchair seating evaluations

If you’re one of the millions of Americans who relies on a wheelchair, then you know how important it is that your chair is comfortable and functional. By finding the best-fitting wheelchair for your needs, you can enjoy greater mobility, comfort and quality of life.


The Scripps wheelchair seating program at Scripps Encinitas Rehabilitation Services offers comprehensive seating and wheelchair evaluations by licensed physical therapists and assistive technology professionals.


Whether you’re in need of your first wheelchair or have relied on one for years, our seating program will help ensure your wheelchair addresses fit, function and mobility.


Results of the personalized wheelchair evaluations and recommendations are sent to your referring physician and insurance company to expedite the authorization and delivery of the most appropriate wheelchair for you. In addition, we can provide you with a letter of medical necessity.


In order to schedule an appointment for a wheelchair seating evaluation, you will need a referral from your physician and valid medical insurance. Once you have a referral, please call Scripps Encinitas Rehabilitation Services at 760-633-6507.

Occupational therapy locations

Occupational therapy locations

Scripps offers occupational therapy in San Diego hospitals, outpatient clinics and home care settings. Some specialized OT services are offered only at specific locations, as listed above. Our main OT locations are: 



Meet our occupational therapists to see their specialties and contact information.