What is Occupational Therapy?

 

 What is Occupational Therapy? 

Let's talk about Rehabilitation Treatment FIRST.

Rehabilitation treatment plays a crucial role in helping individuals overcome the aftereffects of accidents or diseases, enabling them to return to their daily lives more quickly. It aims to restore function and prevent further deterioration caused by disabilities, diseases, aging, or pain.

The goal is to improve the quality of life of patients by addressing a wide range of physical and cognitive challenges. Given its vast scope, the field requires careful research to ensure appropriate treatment plans for each patient's unique condition.

Not only does rehabilitation improve a patient's quality of life, but it also has the potential to reduce complications linked with chronic conditions such as cancer or diabetes. Furthermore, it can hasten recovery from small injuries that may impair various bodily functions.

So, what is occupational therapy?

When we think of rehabilitation, our minds often gravitate towards physical therapy. However, it's important to recognize that physical therapy and occupational therapy have distinct treatment focuses and goals. ((Stay tuned for our upcoming blog post, where we'll explore these differences in greater detail!))

An occupational therapist is a healthcare professional who helps patients with mental health challenges and/or developmental and/or physical disabilities in achieving greater independence in their daily lives. Their approach starts with the identification and prioritization of the particular challenges the patient is presently confronting. They then help the patient set realistic goals, cultivate a sense of well-being, and create an environment favorable to the individual engaging in necessary activities adapted to their specific circumstances.

Occupational therapy plays a crucial role in empowering people to lead fulfilling lives through active participation. They offer various forms of therapy, including training for Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), improving physical function, enhancing perceptual skills, and fostering psychosocial awareness.

These professionals focus on reducing maladaptive behaviors through targeted training, facilitating a return to work or everyday activities. Rather than concentrating only on the disease itself, their emphasis lies in mitigating the functional decline caused by the disease. This approach guarantees that patients receive a tailored treatment plan suited to their specific requirements, ultimately enhancing their quality of life and overall well-being.

Written by @otandbae, based on my perspective as an occupational therapy (OT) student