Occupational Therapy (OT)

What is an Occupational Therapist? 

Occupational Therapist receives specialized post-graduate training in occupational therapy. They need to obtain a license and pass a national test for certification to practice. 

Certain OTs undergo additional education to allow them to concentrate on specific types of therapy, for example, hand therapy, treating patients who have low vision, working with children, or working with older adults. 

Occupational therapy assistants assist with specific aspects of your therapy. They don t evaluate the patient or design your therapy program. An OT assistant must have an associate s degree. The OTs and OTAs typically work in collaboration with your doctor, psychologist, physical therapist, or other health professionals. 

How Occupational Therapists Work? 

Assessment 

The process of occupational therapy is based on initial and repeated evaluations. The occupational therapist and the patient they are working with focus on individual and environmental abilities and issues with regards to the patient s life. Regularized methods, interviews, and observations in various settings, as well as consultation with significant people in the individual s life, are used in assessment. 

Planning 

The findings of the evaluation will form the basis of the treatment plan that includes both the goals for long-term and short-term treatment. The plan must be appropriate to the individual s stage of development, including behaviors, routines, and lifestyle choices and context. 

Intervention 

Intervention is focused on programs that are primarily person- and environment-focused. These programs are designed to assist with the execution of daily tasks and the adaptation of the environment where the individual works or lives, as well as socializing. Examples include teaching innovative techniques and supplying equipment that facilitates autonomy in personal care, decreasing environmental obstacles, and offering the resources needed to ease stress. 

Cooperation 

Occupational therapists recognize the importance of collaboration. Coordination and cooperation with family members, other professionals, caregivers, volunteers, and other staff members are crucial in the implementation of the holistic method.

What should you expect? 

When an occupational therapy appointment is scheduled, the OT will be looking to assess the individual s capabilities and goals. The way they approach it will depend on the individual and their requirements. The counselor will typically start by reviewing the patient s medical history and asking the patient questions regarding what is happening in their everyday lives. They might then request to observe the individual perform certain tasks. 

The OT may also look at the individual s school, home, or work place to see whether they can identify any opportunities to improve their performance. For instance, they could recommend labeling kitchen cabinets for people who suffer from memory loss, and installing a railing inside the bathroom for those who have difficulty moving about. 

When the OT is aware of the individual s needs and goals, they ll utilize that information to create the treatment strategy. They might suggest specific equipment, like eating aids, or even a wheelchair, and assist people in learning how to make use of it. 

The OT will usually evaluate the progress made by the individual in a few months or weeks. They will want to know how the individual is performing in relation to achieving their objectives. They can also suggest modifications to the therapy plan at this point, if needed. 

Occupational therapy vs. physical therapy 

Many people mix up occupational therapy and physical therapy due to the fact that professionals in both fields work with the same groups of patients and provide practical assistance. However, these kinds of therapies are distinct. 

Occupational therapy is focused on enhancing the abilities of individuals to complete the tasks they must perform every day. Physical therapy differs from other therapies in that it is focused on helping patients improve their mobility.  

Physical therapists (PTs) are experts in movement who can improve the living conditions for those who suffer from specific issues with movement.