Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists (OTs) aim to develop, recover, or maintain the daily living and work skills of people with a physical, psychological or cognitive problem. Occupational therapy is a client-centered practice that places a premium on the progress towards the client’s goals.  Occupational therapy interventions focus on adapting the environment, modifying the task, teaching the skill, and educating the client/family in order to increase participation in and performance of daily activities, particularly those that are meaningful to the client. Occupational therapists often work closely with professionals in physiotherapy, speech therapy, nursing, dietetics, social work, and the community.

Causes:

  • The need for occupational therapy may arise following illness, injury , surgery, or due to the aging process.
  • Examples of common health conditions which cause difficulties with day to day living that an occupational therapist can help with are:
  • arthritis,
  • spinal conditions,
  • cardiac and circulatory conditions,
  • lymphedema,
  • breathing difficulties,
  • limited joint range of motion following injury,
  •  multiple sclerosis,
  • Parkinson’s Disease,
  • dementia,
  • carpal tunnel syndrome