Occupational therapy (OT) is a healthcare profession that helps people across all ages develop, recover, or maintain the daily living and working skills they need. It focuses on improving physical, cognitive, sensory, and motor skills so individuals can live as independently and safely as possible.
What Occupational Therapy Covers
- Activities of daily living (ADLs): Bathing, dressing, grooming, and self-feeding.
- Instrumental ADLs (IADLs): Cooking, managing medications, and doing chores.
- Pediatric development: Enhancing fine motor skills, handwriting, and social-emotional regulation.
- Rehabilitation: Recovering from strokes, brain injuries, or orthopedic conditions.
- Workplace ergonomics: Recommending adaptive equipment and modifying environments.
Common Conditions Treated
- Strokes and spinal cord injuries.
- Autism spectrum disorder and sensory processing issues.
- Arthritis, fractures, and hand injuries.
- Cerebral palsy and developmental delays.
- Dementia and age-related physical declines.
- Children: Learning to play, socialize, and participate in school.
- Adults: Regaining independence after trauma or surgery.
- Seniors: Adapting to physical changes to safely stay in their homes. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
What to Expect During a Session
- Initial Evaluation: Assessing current capabilities and functional goals.
- Skill Building: Executing targeted exercises and therapeutic activities.
- Home Modifications: Adjusting living or workspaces for safety.
- Assistive Devices: Learning to use wheelchairs, splints, or daily aids.