What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy (OT) or occupational treatment is a healthcare profession that helps people of all ages recover from any kind of injury, pain, and disability enabling them to participate in daily activities. OT enables the development of skills necessary for activities including cleaning your house, feeding yourself without help, getting ready for school or work, being able to take part in leisure activities, performing well at school or work, etc. OT also address the social, psychological and environmental factors necessary for wellbeing. An occupational therapist (OT) is a healthcare provider trained in occupational therapy.
When do you Need Occupational Therapy?
You may need occupational therapy if you are struggling to perform your daily tasks due to disorders or injuries including:
- Birth defects and developmental delay in children
- Burns and injuries
- Cancers
- Mental illness and learning problems
- Nervous disorders
- Multiple sclerosis
- Post-surgical conditions
- Traumatic injuries including broken bones
- Injuries to the brain and spinal cord
- Low vision
- Diabetes
- Stroke
Occupational Therapy Plan
Occupational therapy plan includes:
- Assessment and Planning: Your occupational therapist focuses on the factors that are causing trouble in your daily life and prepares a plan with the help of your doctor, caregivers, volunteers, etc. The plan depends on several factors such as your age, daily habits, your lifestyle, etc.
- Intervention and cooperation: Your occupational therapist trains you and guides you on how to improve your overall activities and health. OTs work with your doctor or psychologist or physical therapist to prepare an occupational therapy plan.
Occupational Therapy Procedure
Children
Your occupational therapist works with your child to improve:
- Skills necessary to perform daily activities like brushing teeth, bathing, getting ready for school, feeding themselves, etc.
- Coordination skills to improve writing, working on the computer, etc.
- Positive behavior for those suffering from behavioral disorders. Your occupational therapist may plan physical activities to achieve this goal.
- Focus and sensory skills for those suffering from sensory disorders
- Play skills for those suffering from hand-eye coordinating disorders
- Fine motor skills for those suffering from nervous disorders. Your occupational therapist may suggest the use of specific toys.
- Your occupational therapist also suggests the need for specialized equipment for your child such as a wheelchair, communication aids, bathing equipment, etc.
Older Adults
Your occupational therapist helps older adults by:
- Improving your ability to perform daily activities such as putting on shoes, clothes, working on the computer, etc.
- Guiding you to organize your household things, medicines, books, etc.
- Suggesting the need to use wheelchairs or raised toilets to prevent falls.
- Improving your motor skills and building hand-eye coordination.
- Advising about managing stress or mood.
Benefits of Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is beneficial in many ways including:
- Recommending the best tools and equipment needed for performing your daily activities
- Improvement with performing your daily activities and getting around safer.
- Assist with properly managing stress, fatigue or pain.