What is Occupational Therapy and When do you need it?

True of False? - Occupational Therapists help people find jobs.

This is absolutely false.

I’m Kristin, Founder of SmplyTherapy, Welcome to my page and blog. Having been in the field of Occupational Therapy for many years, I’m very aware that there are many people who do not know exactly what Occupational Therapy is. If you’re here, you must be curious if Occupational Therapy is right for you or your loved one. First, I want to take you through some basics about Occupational Therapy.

What is Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy (OT) teaches people of all ages how to adapt to everyday life. According to The American Occupational Therapy Association, Occupational therapy is the only profession that helps people across the lifespan to do the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of daily activities (occupations). Occupational therapy practitioners enable people of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping them promote health, and prevent—or live better with—injury, illness, or disability.

 Common occupational therapy interventions include:

• Helping children with difficulties or behavioral problems to participate fully in school and in social settings

• Assisting people who are recovering from injury to regain everyday skills

• Providing support for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes

 Who are Occupational Therapy Practitioners?

Occupational therapy practitioners (also may be called Occupational Therapists or OTs) are healthcare professionals with a holistic perspective who uses evidence-based practice that is deeply rooted in science and research to promote a patients' functional capability to accomplish their daily routines.

OTs have vast training and understanding of how to treat the whole body by combining neurological principles, anatomical / physiological concepts, and psychological perspectives.

 How does Occupational Therapy work?

Typically, Occupational Therapy services will involve:

• Individualized evaluation in which a client’s needs are assessed. The evaluation may take place in your home, workplace or a child’s school

• Therapy plan and goal setting designed for you (or your children’s) needs and limitations

• Customized intervention to improve the person’s ability to perform daily activities and reach the goals

• Outcomes evaluation to determine is goals are being met and / or make changes to the customized plan

Who needs Occupational Therapy?

Often times, people simply do not receive the help they need in order to improve their lives because they are not sure what they need.

I speak with many young or first time mothers who may recognize their young children are more fussy than others but do not know where to go to seek help other than their pediatrician. Often, the parents may be referred to an Occupational Therapist who can help to evaluate and get the proper support for their children. Occupational therapy has been known to help children with ADHD, juvenile arthritis, and autism.

However, Occupational Therapy isn’t just for children. Anyone who struggles to do everyday tasks may benefit from it. If you have any of the health issues below, you may consult your doctor and see if occupational therapy can help you:

• Arthritis and chronic pain

• Stroke

• Brain injury

• Joint replacement

• Spinal cord injury

• Low vision

• Alzheimer’s disease

• Poor balance

• Cancer

• Diabetes

• Multiple sclerosis

• Cerebral palsy

• Mental health or behavior issues

 You can also schedule a consultation with me to see if Occupational Therapy is right for you.