What Is Occupational Therapy?

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People usually use the word "occupation" to refer to their job. With that in mind, occupational therapy may sound like work, but it's unrelated to your profession. Instead, occupational therapy is a field of therapy that has many similarities to physical therapy (PT). Its goal is to allow you to do the things you need to do to take care of yourself. Read on to learn about the many different types of occupational therapy and how they might benefit you.

What Is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational Therapy (OT) is a type of therapy in which the therapist helps the client gain or regain skills, so they can complete everyday tasks. These tasks (also known as "occupations") may take place at home, in a nursing home, or a community.

Activities Of Daily Living

• Eating
• Bathing
• Using the restroom
• Transferring (being able to move in and out of bed or a chair without help)
• Maintaining continence (having control of your bladder and bowels)

In addition, your occupational therapy program might include other activities, which often fall under the category of Instrumental Daily Activities:

• Community mobility
• Safety procedures

Finally, other tasks may be considered important enough to be routinely included in occupational therapy, including:

• Education
• Leisure
• Work
• Play
• Social interaction

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Physical Therapy

The differences between physical and occupational therapy are sometimes subtle and sometimes obvious. Most importantly, they each have different goals. Physical therapy aims to strengthen the muscles, while occupational therapy makes it possible for you to take care of yourself, whether that's physically, mentally, socially, or in another practical way. Of course, it's easier to complete daily tasks when your muscles work as effectively as possible. Therefore, the two types of therapy are often used for the same client during a rehabilitation period.

What Happens In Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy sessions consist of education and training, which is usually related to mental tasks or physical strength, coordination, and balance.

Who

Occupational therapists and occupational therapy aides work together to provide occupational therapy treatments. A client can be anyone of any age who has physical, mental, or social limitations that stop them from accomplishing their tasks of daily living satisfactorily.

When

You may need occupational therapy at any time in your life. If you're a child, you might go to occupational therapy when a doctor, therapist, or social worker determines that you have a mental or physical condition that will limit your functioning. If, on the other hand, you become disabled, your doctor might recommend occupational therapy at some point. Later in life, your gerontologist might send you to occupational therapy if your mental or physical capabilities are beginning to diminish because of your age or age-related conditions.

Finally, after an injury, you might be referred to occupational therapy after you've already been in PT long enough to build the strength needed for your ADL. At that point, occupational therapy classes can help you learn and practice how to do the Activities of Daily Living.

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Where

Occupational therapy programs can be found in hospitals, psychiatric facilities, schools, workplaces, clients' homes, medical clinics, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, or independent occupational therapy facilities. Sessions may be carried out in a central location, or they may occur in the client's home or elsewhere in the community.

Occupational Therapy Assessments

Occupational Therapy Activities

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Types Of Occupational Therapy

Because occupational therapy is used for people of all ages and circumstances, occupational therapists can choose from any of a large number of specialties, some of which are listed below.

Pediatric

• A developmental disability
• ADHD
• Mental disorders such as depression or schizophrenia
• Low vision or poor hearing
• Injury
• Abuse or neglect
• Trouble in school
• Learning disabilities

Children as young as 2-years-old can benefit from occupational therapy if they need it. Regardless of the challenges they face, an occupational therapist can help them succeed.

Autism

Occupational therapy for autism is a specialty where therapists may work with children, adolescents, and adults to help them overcome social and communication difficulties as well as participate in their ADL.

Geriatric

Geriatric occupational therapy is usually focused on the most basic Activities of Daily Living. As people age, they may lose their ability to do everyday tasks that many of us take for granted. Chewing and swallowing, bathing, toileting, getting in and out of bed, and controlling our bladder and bowels may slowly become more and more difficult. Others may need to relearn many skills after they're temporarily or partially disabled following a stroke. Also, occupational therapy can help older people stay independent in their own homes for longer. Furthermore, it can help them deal with Alzheimer's or dementia, arthritis, or any of the other challenges older adults commonly face.

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Mental Health

Occupational therapy for mental health is a growing field. People with mental disorders such as anxiety/panic attacks, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other mental illnesses are sometimes referred to occupational therapy or take occupational therapy classes in a hospital setting. In their case, occupational therapy can help them learn better self-care and prevent relapse of symptoms.

Physical Rehabilitation

Occupational therapists who specialize in physical rehabilitation usually work with clients who have been injured or are disabled. People who have been seriously injured usually need occupational therapy for some time before they can resume their normal activities.

Driving And Community Mobility

Environmental Modification

• Bathroom grab bars
• Ramps
• Wider doors
• Special hardware such as flat door handles
• Lower or higher kitchen counters according to need

Feeding, Eating, And Swallowing

Low Vision

School Systems Specialty

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Online Tools

The online resources available for occupational therapy have increased tremendously in recent years, especially for children. You can find games, exercises, puzzles, charts, books, equipment, and suggestions with only a few clicks. Here are some resources that might interest you:

• Tools For Children
• OT Tools For Autism
• Tools For Any OT Clients And Their Caregivers

Evaluations

After you've been in occupational therapy for a specified period, your therapist will evaluate to find out how far you've progressed. These evaluations are similar to the assessments completed during the first session. After the therapist completes the evaluation, they can then adjust your treatment plan or create a new one based on your progress. This ensures that you stay with the tasks you haven't conquered yet and also advance when you're ready. Your occupational therapy program might change, but the goal is still to help you do your ADL.

Help Is Available

At this point, you might be wondering how to find occupational therapy near you. In many cases, your doctor or case manager will set it up for you, though your insurance company may limit the occupational therapists they will approve to help you. Luckily, in most cases, you do have some control over who you choose. Either way, be sure to compare occupational therapy programs and costs to get the best help you can afford.

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Conclusion

Occupational therapy may seem intimidating at first, but it's a straightforward process that can help you lead a more fulfilling life. If you need additional support from a counselor along the way, BetterHelp is here for you. All you need are the right tools.