Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a rehabilitation specialty that is provided by licensed health care professionals. Occupational therapists are involved in evaluation and treatment of the social, emotional, and physiological effects of illness and injury. Occupational therapists assist patients in returning to the highest level of function in basic self-care skills such as eating, bathing, toileting, dressing and grooming. An occupational therapist provides therapeutic services to improve one's ability to perform daily activities and prevent disability. Particular emphasis is given to interventions that result in improved quality of life and decreased hospitalization. The American Occupational Therapy Association (http://www.aota.org) states that: “Occupational therapy is a skilled treatment that helps individuals achieve independence in all facets of their lives. Occupational therapy assists people in developing the “skills for the job of living” necessary for independent and satisfying lives.”
Services typically include:
- Comprehensive home and job site evaluations with adaptation recommendations
- Performance skills assessments and treatment, including dressing, bathing, grooming, meal preparation, writing, and driving
- Assistive device recommendations and usage training
- Guidance to family members and caregivers
- Consulting with employers responding to requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act
Techniques used by an occupational therapist include range of motion, stretching, strengthening and coordination exercises, functional and sensory re-training, and therapeutic modalities.