Orthopedic Occupational Therapy: Helping Patients Regain Strength and Independence

For Kaitlyn Burke, OTD, orthopedic occupational therapy is more than a specialty. It's a calling that combines precision, creativity and compassion to help patients return to the activities they love.

"I always knew I wanted to work in hand and orthopedics," she said. "When I got into OT school, that was my one clear passion."

Today, Burke works at the Lake Centre for Rehab in The Villages, Florida, the largest retirement community in the world, where she focuses on restoring function and confidence through upper extremity rehabilitation.

Finding Her Passion in Orthopedic and Hand Therapy

After earning her doctor of occupational therapy degree from Jacksonville University, Burke began her career with a clinic that saw her potential as a new graduate.

"This job had an opening right after I graduated and passed my boards," she said. "They took a chance on a new grad, and I've been here ever since."

In her practice, she treats a variety of orthopedic injuries affecting the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder. Common cases include distal radius fractures, elbow open reduction and internal fixations, shoulder replacements, nerve compressions like carpal and cubital tunnel syndromes, and arthritis.

Serving Active Adults Through Orthopedic Occupational Therapy

Working in a community primarily composed of older adults has given Burke a deep appreciation for how occupational therapy supports lifelong independence.

"Most of my patients are between 50 and 80. I think my oldest was 94," she said. "Many come in after falls or with arthritis, and our goal is to help them recover function so they can stay active."

Her approach to orthopedic occupational therapy focuses on individualized care, from splint fabrication to therapeutic exercises, designed to restore motion and reduce pain.

A Hands-On Approach to Functional Recovery

One of Burke's favorite aspects of orthopedic occupational therapy is splint fabrication, a process that combines anatomical understanding with creativity.

"Anyone with an orthopedic fracture might need splinting, depending on the severity," she explained. "Some doctors opt for surgery, while others prefer splints, so I get to do a lot of that."

For Burke, each custom splint represents a tangible part of a patient's healing journey. "It's rewarding to see someone use something you made to help them recover," she said. "You get to watch them regain independence in real time."

Building Confidence Through Orthopedic Occupational Therapy

From helping patients cook comfortably again to restoring grip strength for golf, Burke views every success story as a reminder of why she entered the profession.

"When a patient tells me, 'I can finally use my hand again,' it's the best feeling," she said. "That's what occupational therapy is all about: helping people live more fully."

Advice for Future Occupational Therapists

Burke encourages future occupational therapists to explore different practice areas before choosing a specialty.

"Go in with an open mind," she said. "You might think you know what you want, but once you start working with patients, you'll find where your passion truly lies."

For her, that passion remains in orthopedic occupational therapy. "It's a privilege to help people recover function and confidence, one hand at a time," she said.