Occupational therapy refers not only to patients’ work or employment but to all aspects of their everyday lives. It focuses on their needs at work, school, home, with leisure activities and while traveling or performing daily tasks.
An occupational therapist can help patients make the necessary adjustments in their daily routine so they remain independent and have quality of life.
Many people often have decreased strength and endurance, problems with sensation, coordination and pain. The occupational therapist will assess the home, work and identity safety including balance problems and potential risks for falling.
Interventions may include, exercise programs to increase strength and mobility, wrist or hand splints to improve fine motor coordination, provide recommendations for adaptive equipment and or modifications to their environment for safety and help to maintain independence.
Occupational Therapy is an ever-evolving profession that has grown to become an essential and important part of the healthcare field. OTs provide therapy for a variety of populations including, newborns, children, adults with mental or physical needs, workers, home safety evaluations, equine therapy, and assessing the need for adaptive equipment. Occupational therapists practice in hospitals, health agencies, rehab clinics, schools and home health.
OT values the individual believing each person has the capacity to act on his/her behalf to achieve a better state of health occupation. Whatever stage of life you’re in or how you spend your day is considered your occupation. The Occupational Therapist provides treatment to help you reach your goals.
If OT can help you, please ask your primary care provider for a referral.
Article by Chris Moore, Occupational Therapist at Physical Therapy Specialty Center
