Occupational therapy (OT) is a profession that aims at assisting a child or an adult with improving and maintaining their self-reliance. This is done by providing activities for the patients to improve their fine motor skills, speed up the recovery process or in some cases OT can provide therapy and advice for patients with mental conditions.
Your OT sessions may include:
- Conducting a functional capacity assessment & psychological functional capacity assessment
- Advising and educating patients with everyday tasks and recommend changes to the way those tasks can be done in an easier manner (for example for patients with Parkinson disease)
- Advise on modifications at home to promote safety and making everyday tasks easier for the patient
- advise on posture and walking to prevent falls
- providing rehabilitation advise and programs for patients going through rehabilitation (such as stroke patients)
- advise on pain management
- evaluation of the patient’s workplace to prevent any further injuries
When and Why Do I Need to See an Occupational Therapist?
In some cases, the patient may have suffered from an injury or is diagnosed with a condition that has impacted the patient’s day-to-day activities. OT can provide the patient with regular exercises/activities which are aimed at improving and maintaining patient’s self-reliance.
There are a range of different conditions that require an occupational therapist. The following are the most common types of conditions that use this service.
Developmental delays
Developmental delays relate to when the child is slower learning certain developmental skills. These skills may include:
- motor skills (physical skills)
- thinking
- communication
- social
- personal
Most children can learn a new skill by watching and practicing. However, children with developmental delays may require more time practicing a new skill to learn that skill.
An OT is an expert on identifying those skills that the child must learn and provide support, education, and advice to the parents on how the child can learn those new skills and what activities can be used to fasten the process of learning for the child.
Each age group requires a different type of developmental program and each child may require a different set of activities and exercises, hence circumstances for every patient is different. For more information in relation to techniques that activities used by an OT, you can contact us on (02) 9637 5708.
Fractured bones
If you have suffered from fractured bones (also known as broken bones), occupational therapy can play a significant role in your recovery process.
The type of therapy that an OT will use for your recovery depends on where the fracture in your body is and the severity of the fracture. For example, if you are dealing with a fractured wrist, OT needs to consider the severity of the damage, whether the fracture is on the dominant hand, the strength and flexibility of the hand.
An occupational therapist provides advice, education, and therapy techniques to speed up your recovery process which allows you to get back to your day-to-day activities without pain.
Autism
Autism is a disease that affects the way a person feels and thinks and experiences the environment they are in. Autism can also impact on the ability of a child to learn new motor skills and interact with other children.
An occupational therapist in the initial appointment evaluates the condition and the circumstances of the patient. The goal of occupational therapy for patients with autism is to assist the patient to be as independent as possible which can also help with improvements in the patient’s quality of life and this goal is achieved by taking into consideration each patient’s circumstances and condition.
Parkinson disease (PD)
Occupation therapy can play a significant role in the lives of a patient with PD.
PD is a neurological disorder and as the disease progresses it can be difficult for patients to do their daily activities independently.
OT works closely with physiotherapist and other treating medical professionals to assist the patient with maintaining and developing ways for the patient to do their day-to-day activities independently.
Behavioural and mental health issues
Occupational therapy services are not limited to physical conditions. Patients suffering from behavioural and mental issues can also benefit from using an OT.
In the case of children, occupational therapist can assist with developing motor skills of the child and assist the child with communication and interaction with others. This leads to promoting the child’s physical and mental wellbeing.
In the case of an adult, conditions such as depression or social isolation can benefit from the services of an OT.
Post-surgery Rehabilitation
If you are undergoing a surgery, there are a lot of important factors that need to be considered for your surgery to be successful and there are different stages for your body to be able to prepare and recover from the surgery.
Pre-rehabilitation is before undergoing surgery and the goal is to reduce the chances of any complications at the time of your surgery, and post-rehabilitation is to recover your body after the surgery.
The role of an occupational therapist is to assist you with your post-surgery rehabilitation. An occupational therapist can fasten your recovery process and help you to do your day-to-day activities interpedently.
Patients may also find it beneficial to consult with an occupational therapist in the pre-rehabilitation stage to obtain advise on matters such home safety, exercises plan, reduce body inflammation and strengthening of the parts around the region that requires surgery to reduce any type of loss in strength.
Cerebral Palsy (CP)
Patients with CP can also benefit from the services of an OT.
In the cases of children, OT aims to improve the life quality of the child by providing techniques and exercises that can help with learning, self-esteem, independence, and stress reduction. OT can also provide education for parents and carers and advice on any modifications that can be made at home to make home safer for the patient.
Occupation is also Home-Based Service
Occupational therapy at Merrylands Rehab Centre is also available as a home-based service. If you are unable to meet us at the clinic, we can arrange a time to come to your place of residence. Feel free to check out our website on the range of home-based services we provide. Simply click on ‘services’ tab and then click on ‘home based services’ for more information.
OT can play a crucial role in your treatment process. However, if you like to find out more about this service, you can call us on (02) 9637 5708.
Related words :
Physiotherapist in Merrylands – Physiotherapist in Parramatta
Physio in Merrylands – Physiotherapist in Auburn – Physiotherapist in Granville – Shockwave therapy in Merrylands – NDIS physio in Merrylands – Physio in Parramatta – Physio in Auburn – Laser therapy in Merrylands – Physio in Granville