Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy practitioners have a holistic perspective, in which the focus is on adapting the environment to fit the person, and the person is an integral part of the therapy team. Occupational therapists (OTs) help patients get back to routine activities they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of activities of daily life (ADLs). Getting dressed, using eating utensils, taking a bath or shower safely, and facilitating the strength to cook effectively are just some of the tasks that OTs provide to maximize function and safety both inside and out of the home. Occupational therapy treatments include:

• Helping children and adults with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations,
• Helping people recovering from injuries such as a stroke or rotator cuff tear to regain fine motor skills,
• Providing support for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes common with aging.

OT services typically include:

• An evaluation, during which the client/family and occupational therapist determine the person’s goals,
• Customized intervention to improve the person’s ability to perform daily activities and reach their goals, and
• An outcomes evaluation to ensure that the goals are being met and/or make changes to the intervention plan.

Occupational therapy services may include:

• A comprehensive examination and interventions based on the client’s home environment, school setting, or workplace.
• Recommendations for adaptive equipment and training in its use, and guidance and education for family members and caregivers.

Source: AOTA