How Occupational Therapy Works
Every day, children and adults have or develop health conditions that significantly affect their ability to manage their daily lives. With the help of occupational therapy, many of these individuals can achieve or regain a higher level of independence. When skill and strength cannot be developed or improved, occupational therapy offers creative solutions and alternatives for carrying out daily activities.
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy is skilled treatment that helps individuals achieve independence in all facets of their lives. It gives people the "skills for the job of living" necessary for independent and satisfying lives. Services typically include:
- Customized treatment programs to improve one's ability to perform daily activities
- Comprehensive home and job site evaluations with adaptation recommendations
- Performance skills assessments and treatment
- Adaptive equipment recommendations and usage training
- Guidance to family members and caregivers
Who Benefits From Occupational Therapy?
A wide variety of people can benefit from occupational therapy, including those with
- work-related injuries including lower back problems or repetitive stress injuries
- limitations following a stroke or heart attack
- arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or other serious chronic conditions
- birth injuries, learning problems, or developmental disabilities
- mental health or behavioral problems including Alzheimer's, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress
- problems with substance use or eating disorders
- burns, spinal cord injuries, or amputations
- broken bones or other injuries from falls, sports injuries, or accidents
- vision or cognitive problems that threaten their ability to drive