By: Christie Clinic Department of Physical Therapy
*in paid partnership with the Mahomet Daily
Occupational therapy is a unique profession that allow practitioners to assess the person, as a whole, to determine the best treatment options available. Our main goal is to return patients back to their meaningful activities, whether it be work, recreation, self-care or any activities of daily living.
Some common tasks of an occupational therapist may include:
- Assessing a person’s functional abilities and limitations in daily activities
- Developing personalized treatment plans and goals to address these limitations
- Teaching adaptive techniques and strategies to help individuals better perform their daily activities
- Providing assistive devices and equipment to facilitate independence and safety
- Collaborating with other healthcare professionals and family members to ensure optimal care
Many people aren’t sure if or when they should see an Occupational Therapists. Each patient and their situation is unique but many OTs treat patients who are experiencing the following:
- A physical injury or illness that affects their ability to perform daily activities such as dressing, grooming, bathing, or cooking
- A neurological condition, such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease, that affects their movement, coordination or cognitive abilities
- Recovering from surgery or a hospitalization and need rehabilitation services to regain their strength, mobility and independence
- An older adult who wants to maintain their independence and safety in their home or community
With the patient’s goals in mind each step of the way, OTs help their patients by reducing pain and edema with manual work, improving range of motion as well as strength and coordination through various exercises, splint fabrication, and activities.
