Occupational therapy is similar in some ways to physical therapy, and different in others.
According to the American Occupational Therapy Association, occupational therapy “enables people of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping them promote health and prevent—or live better with—illness, injury or disability.” (From the AOTA website.) Occupational therapy can help patients develop or regain the fine-motor skills that allow us to do everyday tasks like tying shoes, writing, and using utensils. Other goals of occupational therapy may be improving basic reasoning skills or compensating for a permanent loss of function.
Who needs occupational therapy? Patients may include:
- The elderly
- Stroke victims
- People recovering from an accident
- Children and adults with sensory integration issues
- Children with developmental issues
Occupational therapy — like physical therapy — can involve physical exercises designed to improve strength and/or dexterity. OT may also include activities that exercise the brain more than the body. Computer programs may be used to help patients improve decision making, reasoning, perception, and problem solving skills.
There are many situations in which occupational therapy may be useful. Some (like stroke) may be more obvious than others. The American Occupational Therapy Association lists six broad areas where an occupational therapist may practice:
- Children and Youth — early intervention by an occupational therapist may help children with developmental delays. Some occupational therapists may specialize in a particular age group or a particular disability or health issue.
- Health and Wellness — patients with chronic pain, sensory integration problems, and other ongoing health issues may benefit from occupational therapy.
- Mental Health — patients with mental health issues may benefit from occupational therapy. OT activities can help patients learn to engage in and manage aspects of daily life.
- Productive Aging — elderly patients can (in some situations) become more independent, active, or productive with the help of an occupational therapist. Focuses may include safe driving, fall prevention, and home safety.
- Rehabilitation, Disability, and Participation — a patient with a permanent or temporary disability may need special instruction and/or adaptive equipment in order to perform certain tasks. An occupational therapist can also help patients design and build adaptive equipment in order to take control of the patient’s particular life situation.
- Work and Industry — an occupational therapist can help evaluate work and adapt work environments for a patient’s use. Ergonomics may play an important role in this type of occupational therapy.
The Physical Therapy series:
Physical Therapy: Overview
Types of Physical Therapy
Getting the Most Benefit from Physical Therapy