What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy is a form of health care service that aims at solving problems which interfere with the day-to-day activities of an individual. These daily activities can be as simple as getting dressed up to something more complex like commuting to work and returning home. So, the primary goal of occupational therapy is to enable individuals participate in activities of their daily lives.

Who are Occupational Therapists?

Occupational therapy is provided by Occupational therapists, commonly known as OTs. They are professionals with specialized knowledge and skills to help people lead a more satisfying and productive lifestyle. An occupational therapist can operate in a wide range of settings such as:

Institutions: Rehabilitation Centers, Hospitals, Correctional Institutions, etc.

Home and Community: Community Action Groups, Home Care, Group Homes, etc.

Organizations and Business: Corporations, Insurance companies, etc.

Government Bodies: Governmental bodies advising on health promotion, etc.

An occupational therapist work with people of all ages, from infants to midlife adults to seniors, to help them resume their daily schedule seamlessly.

Who Needs Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy helps people to adapt to specific environment and conditions. So, it is for anyone who is struggling with any form of day-to-day activities or to adapt to a new setting. Typically, occupational therapies have proved to be quite helpful for patients recovering from:

• Musculoskeletal injury
• Low Vision
• Poor Balance
• Terminal Diseases
• Mental Health
• Behavioral Issues

How Does Occupational Therapy Work?

The process of occupational therapy can vary significantly based on the need of the concerned individual. However, it can be broken down into four stages:

Assessment

In the assessment stage, the occupational therapist, together with the individual, work to identify the concerning issues. It involves the use of standardized procedures of interviewing and observation.

Planning

Based on the assessment, the therapist formulates a plan for the short- and long-term treatments. It is ensured that the plan is relevant to the individual stages of development, life-style, habits, and surrounding environment.

Intervention

The intervention are programs which are oriented specifically to the individual and their environment. They are designed to facilitate superior performance of daily tasks and better adaptation to the environmental setting in which the person lives, works and socializes.

Cooperation

Cooperation with other care givers and family members, play an essential role in occupational therapy. It enables them to take a more holistic approach to recovery of the individual to their normal routine.

Occupational therapy can be availed by consulting with a medical practitioner, hospital or rehab center. It is always advised to consult with a medical professional before appointing an occupational therapist. Even though OTs have proved to be highly beneficial for helping people adapt to their conditions, but the success of therapy is highly dependent on the degree of cooperation from the individual.