Occupational therapy is a type of healthcare service that helps prevent or treat physical, mental, emotional, or developmental conditions that can limit a person’s ability to complete everyday activities.
An occupational therapist uses techniques, strategies, and assistive equipment to help people learn new ways to do daily tasks. Occupational therapy can also help develop new skills and restore or maintain motor abilities.
Occupational therapy is usually recommended by a doctor or physical therapist as part of a broader treatment plan. The goal is to help the person become more independent with daily activities at home, at work, or at school.
What does an occupational therapist do?
An occupational therapist helps people carry out daily activities they need or want to do. This includes work, school, leisure activities, and self-care at home, which can help improve independence, well-being, and quality of life.
According to the American Occupational Therapy Association, occupational therapy practitioners use activities to support the development of performance skills and help people engage in meaningful occupations.
Conditions treated
An occupational therapist can help complement medical and physical therapy treatment for the following conditions:
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Stroke-related complications, traumatic brain injury, or spinal cord injuries
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Cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, Down syndrome, or delayed psychomotor development
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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
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Dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease
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Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
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Autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis
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Complications from musculoskeletal problems, such as tendinitis, fibromyalgia, or lower back pain
Based on the American Stroke Association, stroke rehabilitation may focus on daily living activities, such as eating, dressing, or grocery shopping, depending on the parts of the brain affected.
In addition, an occupational therapist can also complement psychiatric treatment for eating disorders, depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia, for example.
Although occupational therapists do not specifically treat work-related illnesses, they can support rehabilitation for people affected by them by helping them adapt to their limitations and return to work activities.
Physical therapy vs occupational therapy
Physical therapists and occupational therapists often work together in the rehabilitation of health conditions. However, their roles are different.
A physical therapist helps improve muscle strength, relieve pain, and reduce inflammation, helping restore physical function.
An occupational therapist focuses on rehabilitating and teaching new ways to perform daily activities, stimulating cognitive skills, and adapting the person’s living environment to improve quality of life.
How occupational therapy works
Occupational therapy uses techniques to:
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Develop or restore motor skills needed for eating, walking, getting dressed, bathing, brushing teeth, and combing hair
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Recommend home or environmental changes that improve safety when moving around, such as installing ramps, adding handrails to stairs, or using a shower seat
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Help improve memory and concentration problems through cognitive and social activities
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Encourage children to participate in leisure activities and support motor development
In addition, an occupational therapist may teach the person how to use assistive equipment, such as adaptive utensils, a walker, or a wheelchair, for example.