Occupational Therapy Q & A

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapists are charged with helping individuals integrate back into everyday life following a physical injury or disability. Many occupational therapists are, therefore, usually found working with personal or workplace-related injury victims. Occupational therapy is an excellent first option for aging adults struggling to cope with naturally impaired movement.

What Does an Occupational Therapist Do?

The average occupational therapist handles a variety of services. They typically start with a full assessment of the patient’s individual background and treatment goals. An occupational therapist will evaluate these results and devise a custom plan that can help the patient seek the treatment he or she requires. Occupational therapy might even call for the use of specialized equipment, and it is the job of the therapist to educate the patient on the proper use of this equipment.

What is the Emphasis on the Patient?

Occupational therapy is entirely patient-driven, and as a result, if the patient is not responding well to a specific treatment plan, that plan will be altered as per the case. Additionally, since trust is so crucial when creating a good treatment plan, occupational therapists tend to develop strong relationships with their patients, which in turn should lead to favorable results.

What Does an Occupational Therapist Specifically Improve?

Occupational therapy is concerned with the alleviation of pain, which can involve the neck, back, shoulder, knee, foot, and everything in between. Rather than suffer through this pain, occupational therapists can improve a patient’s independence. By working to overcome physical impairments and disability, occupational therapy can help patients get on with simple daily tasks, including dressing, grooming and hygiene, cleaning, and perhaps even driving.

What Equipment is Involved in Occupational Therapy?

An occupational therapist might make use of different equipment to aid in a patient’s physical rehabilitation. This equipment often includes simple items, such as shower strips, grab bars, shoe aids, and specialized tub seats.