Occupational therapy is used by people of all ages to overcome disabilities and to help regain skills and mobility after illness or injury. Most people will need to have a referral from a general physician to begin therapy, but there are also other ways to enter therapy, as well.
The BasicsThe first step to beginning occupational therapy is to get a referral. If you have recently had an illness or injury that has resulted in significant behavioral, cognitive, or physical changes then therapy will be recommended by your doctor or hospital. Children with some genetic conditions, include cerebral palsy and autism, may begin treatment very early in life. The elderly are also referred to occupational therapy for conditions such as limited mobility. Getting a referral for yourself or a loved one with a disability can allow you to learn skills that can be used in both the workplace and everyday life. The focus of your treatment will vary based on your physical and mental health and your abilities. Your Treatment PlanUnlike other types of medical treatments, occupational therapy can take place in familiar settings such as home or school. Learning new ways of manipulating your environment in light of your disability is one of the main goals of treatment. For instance, you may practice walking up stairs, using kitchen tools, or complete a series of exercises designed to increase manual dexterity.
Occupational therapy is a very hands-on and practical type of treatment that focuses on helping you life a more fulfilling life. Your therapist may also recommend setting up your environment in new ways to allow you to use the items in your home easier. For example, you may need to have grab bars installed in the bathroom to allow you more independence in caring for your grooming needs. These changes will reflect your personal needs to make life simpler at home or school.
The GoalsUsing occupational therapy to your advantage requires that you follow the advice of your therpaist. You may need to follow a treatment plan for a few weeks or months, or for the rest of your life. The benefits of treatment are living a life that is easier to navigate and being more independent for a longer amount of time in your own home.
Pre-occupational therapy is a group of classes that are taken at the university level before classes can begin for occupational therapy. A person taking classes in pre occupational therapy, can work as an occupational therapy assistant.
Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy was created in 1993.
American Occupational Therapy Association was created in 1917.
Occupational Therapy in Health Care was created in 1984.
Elizabeth Cara has written: 'Psychosocial occupational therapy' -- subject(s): Occupational therapy, Mentally ill, Rehabilitation 'Psychosocial occupational therapy in clinical practice' -- subject(s): Occupational therapy, Mentally ill, Rehabilitation
Optometry and occupational therapy are school subjects. They begin with the letter o.
Marilyn B. Cole has written: 'Group dynamics in occupational therapy' -- subject(s): Occupational Therapy, Methods, Occupational therapy, Group Psychotherapy, Group psychotherapy, Social groups 'Group dynamics in occupational therapy' -- subject(s): Occupational therapy, Group psychotherapy, Small groups, Social groups
There is no patron saint of occupational therapy.
Gary Kielhofner has written: 'Conceptual foundations of occupational therapy' -- subject(s): Occupational therapy, Occupational Therapy 'Health Through Occupation' 'A Model of Human Occupation' -- subject(s): Models, Psychological, Occupational therapy, Psychological Models
Kathlyn L. Reed has written: 'Quick Reference to Occupational Therapy' -- subject(s): Handbooks, Handbooks, manuals, Occupational therapy 'Models of practice in occupational therapy' -- subject(s): Models, Theoretical, Occupational therapy, Theoretical Models
A master's degree or higher in occupational therapy is the minimum requirement for entry into the field
Oceanography and occupational therapy are school subjects. Additional subjects include optometry.