How to Understand Occupational Therapy?

Answer 1

What exactly is occupational therapy? Frequently confused with vocational rehabilitation offered to equip an individual with a new set of skills for a new occupation after they are injured, occupational therapy is something entirely different.

Occupational therapists work with individuals to enable them to acquire the skills necessary to perform the everyday tasks of living. These tasks include those associated with working or performing work tasks, leisure time which includes relaxation and hobbies, and self-care involving the everyday activities of eating, sleeping, grooming, bathing and dress.

Why is the word “occupation” involved in these types of tasks? Occupation, for purposes of occupational therapy, is defined as the way in which people occupy their time – thus their occupation. Occupational therapists understand the term occupation as meaning how people spend their time in order to be productive, socially interactive and functional, whether it is paid or unpaid time.

Occupational therapy is usually used with adults to increase their independence when physical or mental limitations prevent them from full function or mobility. One example of how an occupational therapist (OT) might work with someone with a mental illness is to help them learn to manage their stress or anxiety, teach them relaxation skills, and equip them with coping techniques so that they can either get back to work or enjoy leisure time.

Sometimes the practices of physical therapy and occupational therapy overlap when treating a patient with a physical disability because there may be strength or mobility exercises that would benefit that person.

Occupational therapy is now being used effectively for helping children in terms of developing social skills or socialization issues associated with attention deficit disorder. Another way that occupational therapy works with children is in the area of academic skill development.

The reason they call it therapy is because OT involves some sort of intervention in your life with the goal of helping you function better and learn how to adapt or to accommodate for any deficits.

Answer 2

Occupational therapy, also known as O.T. is an area of rehabilitation associated with helping people perform daily activities at home or at work. These include leisure activities, self care, getting around in the community and performing work for pay. Occupational therapy clients may be persons suffering from conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, brain injury, fractures, amputations, Arthritis and similar limitations.

There are a variety of settings where occupational therapists practice. In skilled nursing centers, occupational therapists work with patients on activities such as dressing, feeding and self-care. In acute care hospitals, the goal is to help individuals manage self care once they leave the hospital setting. This includes being able to manage in the home or return to work. Occupational therapists in inpatient rehabilitation centers may work frequently with persons with brain injury, including those who have suffered strokes. In this environment, the occupational therapist might help the individual regain use the of the hands, etc. to be able to perform tasks of daily living. Patients may be taught to use adaptive technologies such as specially crafted utensils to assist with self feeding.

Occupational therapists assess environmental, psychosocial, and physical needs to help patients and families set rehabilitation goals. Through needs assessment, problems can be identified and a plan of action can be written and implemented. The occupational therapist follows the plan of action and adjusts as necessary to help patients reach their rehabilitation goals.

The course of study for occupational therapists includes undergraduate courses in anatomy and physiology as well as social and behavioral sciences. Many occupational therapists major in areas like physical education or exercise and sports science. However to enter the field, a master’s degree in occupational therapy is standard. The master’s degree in occupational therapy can usually be completed in two years full-time study. In addition to classwork those who earn the master’s must participate in a clinical practicum to develop the skills they will use on the job. Once the occupational therapist completes the degree, he or she is required by most states to take a licensing examination. Once they pass the examination, they are given the title O.T.R., or Occupational Therapist Registered. The job outlook for occupational therapists is good with median salaries in the $65,000 per year range.

Answer 3

Occupational therapy helps individuals participate in meaningful daily activities despite any physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges they may face. Occupational therapists work with clients to improve their ability to perform tasks, adapt their environment, and enhance overall quality of life. By focusing on individual goals and functional skills, occupational therapy aims to help people engage in activities that are important to them and promote independent living.