What Is Occupational Therapy?
Approaches Of Occupational Therapy Treatment
The treatment methods used in occupational therapy will vary depending on the patient's age, overall health, and goals. Occupational therapists help patients find practical ways to adapt activities so they can complete routine tasks and participate in the social, work, and leisure activities they value. Therapists often work with wheelchair users and individuals who have mobility difficulties, and they also assist patients who have medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Patients with mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder and individuals with autism or learning differences could receive occupational therapy services as well. In treating patients, the occupational therapist will perform an assessment to identify the specific activities causing difficulty for the patient. The assessment usually involves talking with the patient and their family members about daily routines and goals, and the therapist will often visit the patient at home to get a better understanding of their living situation.
After the therapist has identified the areas in which the patient needs assistance, they will draw up a treatment plan. Treatment typically consists of teaching the patient a new way to complete a particular activity, and the therapist will suggest changes that can make the activity easier too. When working with a patient who has mobility difficulties after recent surgery, occupational therapists usually suggest that grab bars or shower benches be used in the bathroom to make bathing easier. For patients with arthritis and other conditions that could cause pain when grasping objects, occupational therapists may recommend the use of special equipment such as jar openers, electric can openers, and wide-handled appliances to minimize pain. Occupational therapy helps patients think creatively about how they carry out their daily activities. It provides special equipment and solutions to help them adapt their environment so they can perform activities safely and with less pain. Occupational therapists monitor patients closely, and the treatment plan evolves according to the patient's progress.
Reveal if there are alternatives to occupational therapy next.
Are There Alternatives?
Occupational therapy may be used together with other therapies, including physical therapy and speech therapy. If occupational therapy has been recommended by a doctor or another healthcare professional, the patient is strongly advised to receive the therapy so they can recover as effectively as possible. Patients may wish to ask their doctor about possible alternatives to this therapy before making a decision on treatment. If outpatient occupational therapy is difficult for the patient to attend, it may be possible to have the therapy at home. Long therapy sessions can be shortened if this helps the patient feel more comfortable. Patients and their families should communicate with the occupational therapist about any concerns they have so these can be addressed. Patients may also wish to ask their occupational therapist about exercises or activities they can do at home between treatment sessions.
