- What Is An Occupational Therapist?
- What Is Occupational Therapy?
- What Does an Occupational Therapist Do?
- How Can Occupational Therapy Help?
Imagine a profession that empowers people of all ages to overcome life’s challenges and rediscover their independence. More than 130,000 dedicated occupational therapists work tirelessly in the United States to make this vision a reality. With an average of 29 weekly patients, these skilled professionals provide approximately 6 million life-changing Occupational Therapy sessions annually.
Occupational Therapy is a transformative field beyond mere treatment; it is a journey toward improved quality of life. Whether it’s a child struggling with developmental delays, an adult recovering from an injury, or a senior adapting to age-related changes, Occupational Therapists offer personalized guidance and support every step of the way.
At Ability Rehabilitation, our experienced Occupational Therapists work with individuals to identify their goals and develop strategies to enhance their daily functioning. Keep reading to learn more about how Occupational Therapy can help you or your loved ones.
What Is An Occupational Therapist?
An Occupational Therapist is a vital member of your healthcare team. They specialize in improving your ability to carry out daily tasks confidently and safely. Targeted Occupational Therapy treatments assist you in using various aids and mastering movement within your environment.
Your Occupational Therapist is integral to your comprehensive care plan, working closely with your primary care provider (PCP) and other specialists. Occupational Therapy services are tailored to meet your needs wherever your daily activities occur.
Occupational Therapists are not medical doctors (M.D.) or doctors of osteopathy (D.O.) and do not diagnose health conditions, prescribe medication, or perform surgical procedures. Instead, they work with you and your doctor, using their expertise and various tools and supports to help you navigate daily tasks and activities more independently and confidently.
What Is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational Therapy assists individuals who face difficulties performing everyday activities due to an injury, health condition, or chronic medical problem. Occupational Therapy aims to support you in developing the necessary skills for living independently and carrying out routine tasks more easily. An Occupational Therapy program can develop a patient’s ability to adapt and utilize assistive tools and technologies at work, school, and home.
Occupational Therapy can specifically help people:
- Eat without requiring assistance from others
- Participate in leisure and recreational activities
- Carry out office work and job-related tasks
- Bathe and get dressed independently
- Manage household chores like laundry and cleaning
The core purpose of Occupational Therapy is to empower individuals to regain or develop the skills needed to live, work, and engage in their daily lives as independently as possible despite the challenges posed by their medical condition or injury.
What Does an Occupational Therapist Do?
Initially, your Occupational Therapist (OT) will review your medical history and observe you performing various tasks to assess your requirements. Additionally, they will conduct assessments at your home, school, and workplace to identify potential modifications that could enhance your accessibility and safety.
Subsequently, the OT will collaborate with you to develop a personalized therapy plan and establish goals based on your specific needs, abilities, and limitations.
The therapist will introduce innovative approaches to everyday activities such as dressing, eating, bathing, and working. OTs may recommend specialized equipment and assistive devices such as raised toilet seats, arm braces, or wheelchairs.
Furthermore, OTs offer additional assistance by:
- Rearranging furniture to optimize space and prevent accidents
- Educating your family on how to assist with your care
- Teaching exercises to alleviate discomfort and pain
- Organizing medication schedules
- Addressing behavioral issues in children
How Can Occupational Therapy Help?
Occupational therapy (OT) offers assistance with an extensive array of tasks, encompassing self-care, leisure activities, and everything in between. Individuals seek OT services for various reasons, spanning from mental health concerns to post-surgical rehabilitation. OTs are adept at aiding individuals with diverse daily tasks and deliver client-centered interventions tailored to each individual’s needs. No matter life’s challenges, Occupational Therapists can provide support through adaptations, modifications, education, and communication.
Should You Try Occupational Therapy?
Would you like to take control of your life and enjoy your daily routine to the fullest? Ability Rehabilitation is here to assist you.
Our team is dedicated to walking alongside you every step of the way to ensure that you receive the best possible care. Schedule an appointment with an Occupational Therapist at Ability to get started.
