Regain Your Function with Occupational Therapy
Getting dressed. Taking a shower. Driving yourself to work. We often take everyday activities like these for granted, giving little thought to the possibility of ever losing these abilities. But for many, whether the result of a debilitating medical episode or a lifelong disability, accomplishing these ordinary tasks can be more challenging if not entirely impossible without some intervention.
How would your quality of life be impacted by suddenly losing the ability to care for yourself? While this is less of a fantasy for some than it is reality, the good news is occupational therapy services can help regain or develop daily life skills or adapt new techniques to cope. Learn more about occupational therapy, who it serves, and its benefits.
What Is Occupational Therapy?
According to the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), occupational therapy uses regular, everyday activities to promote health and well-being as well as the ability to function independently and participate in social activities. Occupational therapy can cover a wide range of medical conditions, mental and physical disabilities, and developmental delays that hinder the performance of routine tasks; therefore, support can take many different forms as well, including:
- Activities that mimic ordinary activities
- Use of adaptive equipment that makes tasks easier
- Training for caregivers and family members
- Planning daily routines and maximizing their efficiency
- Returning to work, school, or leisure activities
- Teaching techniques to strengthen memory, concentration, and executive functioning
- Education on fall safety, home safety, and accessibility
Therapists will typically begin by evaluating a patient’s history, experiences, and interests — also known as an occupational profile — before developing a personalized intervention plan unique to the patient and their needs. Outcomes are evaluated throughout the therapy process to ensure these needs are being met.
Who Needs Occupational Therapy?
Like other forms of therapy such as speech therapy or physical therapy, occupational therapy is not limited to one specific medical condition — rather, it can be applied to patients living with a wide range of conditions and illnesses, according to the National Institutes of Health. These can include:
- Medical conditions of the brain such as dementia, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, traumatic brain injuries, or multiple sclerosis
- Paralysis
- Mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety disorders, or schizophrenia
- Muscle, joint, and skeletal conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or broken bones
- Amputations or prostheses
- Developmental disorders such as motor disorders, autism, or mental and physical disabilities
Benefits of Occupational Therapy
Working with an occupational therapist can yield many benefits for patients of all ages, according to the AOTA. First, occupational therapy can help children achieve developmental goals and live independently. For example, a child with developmental delays may receive the help needed to attend school with peers or help a teenager gain the abilities needed to transition to adulthood.
Occupational therapy may also help patients stay healthy and productive while living with a chronic health condition. Patients disabled by a sudden medical event like a stroke or an accident may be able to maintain or rebuild their quality of life and independence — and eventually, they may once again participate in the everyday activities they previously enjoyed.