Occupational therapy (OT) is a cutting edge branch of healthcare which aims to help injured or disabled people of all ages participate in regular day to day activities. Occupational therapy promotes independence, improves physical, sensory and mental functions and enhances overall well-being and confidence. If you would like to know more about occupational therapy and how it can help you or a loved one, keep reading this informational blog.
What Is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy is a patient-centered service that focuses on helping individuals with physical, mental, or developmental conditions engage in activities which are meaningful in their personal lives. These activities can vary from basic self-care tasks, such as dressing, shopping and eating, to more complex tasks involving occupations or sports activities.
Who Needs Occupational Therapy?
People who are recovering from cancer treatment, complex orthopedic surgery, a traumatic injury to the brain or other parts of the body benefit from occupational therapy. Patients who have chronic conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, arthritis, cerebral palsy or limb amputation can also benefit from occupational therapy. When combined with other therapies, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy can help patients regain lost or impaired skills. They even develop new skills to adapt to temporary or long-term deficits in:
- Cognition
- Memory
- Muscular strength
- Coordination
- Balance
- Vision and hearing
- Circulation
- Nerve function
- Spinal damage
- Scar tissue
Occupational therapy is not just for those with physical disabilities; it can also benefit individuals who struggle with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or even post-traumatic stress disorder. Occupational therapists assist these individuals in finding meaningful activities and coping strategies to improve their overall well-being and to give them a sense of direction and purpose to their lives.
Additionally, occupational therapy can benefit children and adults with developmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder or Down syndrome. Occupational therapists can help these individuals develop important life skills, such as engaging in conversation or taking public transportation to work or school.
The goal of occupational therapy is to help individuals achieve independence and emotional resilience, too. This may involve making modifications to the individual’s environment, providing adaptive equipment or aids, such as canes and wheelchairs, and teaching new techniques or strategies to walk, grasp, carry objects or do job- or sports-specific movements.
This list is by no means exhaustive. It is, in fact, just the start of a custom-made occupational therapy plan to help each patient live as successfully as possible despite impairments. Large, seemingly insurmountable tasks can be broken down into smaller chunks, or alternatively, done in another way altogether so more and more independence can develop. Occupational therapists are experts at creating new and effective ways to accomplish tasks and achieve goals.
What Does Occupational Therapy Involve forthe Patient?
Occupational therapists use various techniques and interventions to help people develop needed skills, but first, OT personnel do in-depth patient evaluations. These assessments include reviewing medical history and talking with the patient and family about perceived therapeutic needs and goals.
Based on these very detailed assessments, occupational therapists develop customized treatment plans. These plans may include activities such as physical exercises, cognitive and sensory-based interventions, and assistive technology. OT also involves education, not only for the patient, but also for family members and caregivers. Patients and significant others learn to manage symptoms, adapt home, school and work environments to meet the patient’s needs, and implement strategies to promote independence and safety.
Another important aspect of occupational therapy is psychological well-being. Occupational therapists understand that impairments can affect a person’s mental health, so they incorporate interventions to support emotional wellness. These may include relaxation techniques, counseling or job coaching. The occupational therapy environment is one which moves people toward true independence.
Occupational Therapy in Sherman, TX
Occupational therapy is one of the many patient-centered recovery and rehabilitation services which Carrus Health Rehabilitation Hospital offers. Our comfortable, state of the art facility has the recuperative environment patients need to feel forward-looking and optimistic and to genuinely recover their best selves.
Call us at (903) 970-2600 to learn more about how we can partner with you or a loved one. We serve greater Texoma and southwestern Oklahoma and would love to meet with you soon.
