Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy (OT) is the use of evaluation and intervention to develop and maintain the meaningful day to day activities or occupations of individuals or groups. It is an allied health profession executed by occupational therapists (OTs) and occupational therapy assistants. OTs are often involved with people with disabilities, mental health issues, injuries or impairments.
Occupational therapists enable people of all ages to live life comfortably by helping them promote health, and live better with illness, injury or disability. Common OT interventions include helping children with disabilities to participate in school and social activities, helping people recovering from illness/ injury to regain skills, and providing support to older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes.
How do Occupational Therapists work?
Their work includes the following:
- Assessment/ Evaluation : The OT process is based on initial and repetitive assessments. The OTs, together with the patient, focus on individual and environmental abilities and problems related to activities in the person’s daily life.
Assessment includes the use of standardized observations, procedures and interviews in a variety of settings and discussion with significant people in that patient’s life. - Planning : The plan is designed depending on the results of the assessment, which includes short and long-term goals of the treatment. The plan should be appropriate for the person’s developmental stage, roles, habits, health condition, life-style preferences and the environment.
- Intervention/ Execution : The intervention focuses on treatment programs that are a person and environment oriented. These are designed to improve the performance of everyday activities and adaptation to the environment in which the person works, lives or socializes. Examples include teaching new techniques which can facilitate independence in personal care, reducing environmental obstacles and providing resources to reduce stress.
- Cooperation : Occupational therapists understand and recognize the importance of teamwork. Cooperation and coordination with other professionals, families, friends and caregivers are important in the success of the comprehensive approach.
When do I need an Occupational therapy?
Health conditions:
Occupational therapy may be used to treat conditions, including
- Arthritis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Dementia
- Schizophrenia
- Dyspraxia (developmental co-ordination disorder)
- Chronic pain or constant pain
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Cerebral palsy
- Developmental coordination disorder/dyspraxia
- Down’s syndrome
- Learning disability
- Autism
Why should I go to RxDx for occupational therapy?
Consultants at RxDx Occupational Therapy
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