You may have heard the term Occupational Therapy before, but we at Healing Hands Therapy Center have tried to cover every aspect of this new concept in this blog. Get familiar with an emerging concept in physical therapy that has the potential to improve your life.

 

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy is a health profession that helps people of all ages do the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. It is designed to help improve your quality of life. It improves the way that you do your job, and schoolwork, care for yourself, complete household chores, move around, take part in other activities you enjoy, and helps you live life to the fullest. 

In a nutshell, Occupational therapy focuses on helping people perform activities of daily living (ADLs). These include dressing, bathing, eating, and grooming.

 

Who is an Occupational Therapist?

Occupational therapists are experts in the field of occupational therapy. They help people with injuries and illnesses, as well as those who have disabilities, to live more independently. Occupational therapists can also help people who have been in accidents or who have chronic diseases such as cancer or diabetes.

Occupational therapists treat people of all ages and abilities. Some specialize in treating older adults or children with disabilities or developmental delays. Others treat adults with disabilities resulting from strokes or injuries from illness or accidents. Still, others treat patients who have problems such as arthritis or back pain that limit their ability to carry out daily tasks without assistance from others in their daily lives.

OTs have different specialties. Some work with people who have physical disabilities or learning disabilities, while others specialize in treating people with mental health issues like depression or anxiety. Regardless of their area of expertise, they all have one thing in common: They’re experts at helping people learn new skills that make them feel more confident about their daily lives.

Occupational therapists may help you identify ways to:

• Reduce pain or discomfort caused by an injury or medical condition
• Strengthen your body and improve your ability to move around
• Improve your ability to use tools and equipment at home or work
• Learn more about how your body works so you can avoid further injury

 

Who Needs An Occupational Therapy? 

Occupational therapy is for anyone who has trouble doing everyday tasks — from holding a pencil to buttoning a shirt.

Arthritis and chronic pain

Stroke

Joint replacement

Spinal cord injury (SCI)

Low vision (visual impairment)

Alzheimer’s disease/dementia

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

Cognitive impairments (ADHD)

Developmental delay or disability (Down syndrome)

Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Poor balance (postural instability)

These conditions can affect the ability to complete tasks and perform daily activities. OT can help you manage your day-to-day activities and live independently in your home longer.

 

How can Occupational Therapy help?

People can improve their lives with occupational therapy. It can help people with physical and psychological disabilities, as well as seniors and kids with developmental challenges. Let’s see how occupational therapists help people do everyday tasks better.

Children with autism often face challenges at home and school that impact their social, language, learning, and play skills. “Occupational therapy” helps improve these areas of their lives with a special focus on motor planning and sensory processing skills.

A teenager with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHA) may have trouble completing schoolwork and making friends. Occupational therapy can help with memory, impulse control, planning, and time management. It can also help develop social skills.

An adult with anxiety and depression might see an occupational therapist to learn coping skills, develop healthier habits, and gain new ways to participate fully in any work, leisure, or social activities.

An older adult who had a stroke and has weakened one side of his body can see an occupational therapist to help him build up his strength and endurance, as well as improve his range of motion. He can also learn how to use adaptive equipment such as canes or other devices to help with dressing, cooking, cleaning, and other chores.

 

Final Thoughts

Occupational therapy is becoming increasingly popular these days; it can help make your daily living easier, and more manageable. Overall, occupational therapists are a vital part of the healthcare industry and will continue to help shape and improve the social, mental, and physical well-being of society. If you are looking for an Occupational Therapist in CT, USA, you are in just the right place at the right time; contact us at (860) 404-2587 our dedicated therapist Heather Mogielnicki has over 23+ years of experience with helping patients get back to their normal lives after injury or illness. She can help you improve function, quality of life, and participation in the community.