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Monday 8:30am - 6pm Tuesday 8:30am - 6pm Wednesday 8:30am - 6pm Thursday 8:30am - 6pm Friday 8:30am - 5pm Saturday 9am - 12pm

Thrive Occupational Therapy

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United States
Northbrook, IL
Thrive Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy and coaching across the lifespan.

Whether you’re a child, adult, senior, or parent struggling to perform daily routine activities-we can help!

08/30/2025

✨ Creativity + Play Skills in Action ✨
During a session, I handed this kiddo a bunch of random LEGO pieces—no instructions, no plan—just an opportunity to explore.
Unstructured building like this supports:
👐 Fine motor dexterity
🧩 Problem-solving and planning
🎨 Creativity and imagination
😊 Confidence through play
Sometimes the best therapy happens when we let kids take the lead!

06/15/2025

To all the incredible dads, grandfathers, father figures, and caregivers—thank you for your strength, love, and unwavering support. 💙

Whether you’re playing, working, or simply being present, your everyday actions make a world of difference in the lives of your children and families.

06/08/2025

🍕 Cooking up skills & slices!
We whipped up 3 delicious, one-of-a-kind pizzas using a simple 4-step recipe. 🙌
Cooking is not just fun — it’s an amazing way to build executive functioning and essential life skills. 👩‍🍳🧠✨

04/12/2025

This Occupational Therapy Month, let's dive into the world of development together! 📚 We've hand-picked 5 incredible books that will illuminate your understanding of sensory processing, play, and everything in between.

Remember, every child is wonderfully unique, with their own developmental path. If you have any concerns about your child's progress, please reach out to a specialist – we're here to help! Let’s make this OT Month a journey of discovery and empowerment. ✨

04/10/2025

🤔 Ever wonder how your little one makes sense of the big, wide world? It all starts with their senses! These sensory systems are the magical way your child learns, grows, and connects with everything around them. This National Occupational Therapy Month, let’s explore the foundation of your child’s development together, breaking down those 7 amazing senses that make them who they are.

Understanding these senses helps us understand our children better. When these systems are well-regulated, children can focus, learn, and thrive. Let's make this OT Month a journey of discovery and connection with our little ones! 💙

04/04/2025

Where do I begin❓ We often hear that question from parents wanting to support their child's development. This National Occupational Therapy Month, let's explore a helpful guide: the "Pyramid of Learning." Think of it as a roadmap, showing us the foundational skills our children need to thrive and how those skills build upon each other. Developed by occupational therapist Kathleen Taylor and special educator Maryann Trott. 📚

Like a sturdy building needs a strong foundation, a child's learning and growth rely on solid sensory processing. This pyramid reveals that the higher tiers—like academic learning and behavior—may struggle without addressing the base level. Understanding this "bottom-up" approach helps us prioritize and support our children effectively.

Throughout National Occupational Therapy Month, we'll be breaking down each level of this pyramid weekly, offering you practical insights and tips. We'll uncover how sensory experiences shape your child's abilities and how you can nurture their development at every stage.

Remember, every child's path is unique, and we're here to support you every step of the way. 🤗

Warmly,
The Thrive Occupational Therapy Team 💙

03/08/2025

Dear Women Who Inspire Strength,

Today, on International Women’s Day, we celebrate you—the strong, the compassionate, the resilient. 🤍

A strong woman stands up for herself. But a stronger woman? She stands up for others, too. And every day, you do just that. Whether you’re a mom, a caregiver, a friend, or a mentor, your love and support make the world a little brighter.

This is your reminder: you are seen, you are valued, and you are never alone. Together, we create a community where women uplift women, where support is unconditional, and where strength is found in unity.

So today, take a moment to celebrate yourself—your strength, your kindness, and the difference you make. And if you see another woman who needs a reminder of her own power, pass this message along. 🤍

With gratitude,
Thrive Occupational Therapy

03/06/2025

Create your own Therapy Toolbox at home! Start with a therapy putty, it is a simple yet powerful tool used in occupational therapy to build hand strength, improve dexterity, and support sensory needs. It comes in different resistance levels, making it adaptable for various ages and abilities.

Why is therapy putty great for kids?

🖐 Fine motor development: Strengthens small muscles in the hands, improving skills needed for writing, buttoning clothes, and using utensils.

🎯 Hand-eye coordination: Activities like stretching, pinching, and rolling help refine motor control.

🌟 Sensory regulation: Provides resistance and proprioceptive input, helping kids with sensory processing challenges feel more grounded and focused.

How to use it at home?

• Hide small beads or buttons inside the putty – This is great for finger strength and tactile exploration, helping to improve fine motor skills.

• Roll, stretch, and twist the putty – Engage different muscle groups, promoting overall hand and wrist strength.

• Use cookie cutters or stamp letters into the putty – Make it a fun, educational game while improving dexterity and cognitive skills.

❗Every child is unique and has different levels of strength they can tolerate. Remember, always start with the softest level of putty and focus on your child’s current strength.

💡 A simple tool, big benefits! What is in your therapy toolbox?

03/04/2025

Why do we have a swing in our OT space? ✨

Swings aren’t just for fun—they’re a powerful tool in occupational therapy! In our sessions, we use swings to help kids build essential skills while feeling safe and supported. Here’s how:

🌟 Sensory Regulation – Swinging can be calming or alerting, helping kids find their balance when they feel overstimulated or sluggish.
💪 Core Strength & Coordination – Holding on, shifting positions, and staying balanced all help develop strength, stability, and motor control.
🧠 Focus & Attention – The gentle motion of a swing activates the vestibular system, improving concentration and body awareness.
🤲 Motor Planning & Confidence – Adjusting movements while swinging encourages kids to problem-solve, take risks, and gain confidence in their abilities.

At Thrive, every tool in our space has a purpose, and our swings play a big role in supporting kids on their journey to independence!

02/28/2025

Did you know that something as simple as changing how your child plays can boost their development? Vertical surface work—like drawing on a whiteboard or using an easel—is more than just fun; it’s a powerful way to build essential skills!

✨ Why is it so effective?
When kids work on a vertical surface, they naturally strengthen their shoulders, wrists, and core muscles, all of which support handwriting, coordination, and fine motor control. Plus, this type of play helps with spatial awareness and focus—key skills for everyday tasks!

💡 Easy ways to try this at home:
✔️ Tape a big sheet of paper to the wall and let them color freely
✔️ Use magnetic letters or puzzles on the fridge
✔️ Try a whiteboard or chalkboard for doodles and writing practice
✔️ Stick Post-it notes around the room for a scavenger hunt

These simple activities engage kids in a natural, playful way while building stronger motor skills and confidence. We’re here to help! 💙

📍 Thrive Occupational Therapy | Northbrook, IL

📩 DM us to learn more or book a free 15-minute screening!

02/26/2025

🤔 Occupational Therapy vs. Physical Therapy: What’s the Difference?

Both occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) are essential for improving overall well-being, but they each focus on different aspects of health and development. Here’s a quick breakdown:

🔹 Occupational Therapy (OT): OT is about helping people develop the skills they need to perform everyday activities—such as dressing, eating, and playing. OT focuses on fine motor skills, sensory processing, cognitive abilities, and social interactions. It’s designed to improve independence and confidence in daily tasks, giving children the tools to succeed in school, at home, and in their communities.
🔹 Physical Therapy (PT): PT is focused on improving physical strength, coordination, and mobility. It’s often used to treat injuries, and conditions that affect movement, or to build motor skills such as walking, running, and jumping. PT helps restore or improve movement function, supporting physical development and recovery.

Both therapies work together to enhance your quality of life, targeting different areas to achieve the best results! 🧩

02/24/2025

Your child deserves the right support to build confidence, independence, and essential life skills. At Thrive Occupational Therapy, we provide personalized, play-based therapy to help children strengthen motor skills, sensory processing, and daily routines in a way that feels natural and engaging.

📍 Northbrook, IL
🎯 Free 15-Minute Screening

Occupational therapy can make a world of difference in motor skills, sensory regulation, attention, and daily independence. Ready to take your next step? Contact us today! ✨

+1 (224) 216-2488 | www.thrive-otd.com | thriveotd@gmail.com

Address

1901 Raymond Drive Suite 14
Northbrook, IL
60062

Opening Hours

Monday	8:30am - 6pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 6pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 6pm
Thursday	8:30am - 6pm
Friday	8:30am - 5pm
Saturday	9am - 12pm

Website

http://thrive-otd.com/

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