Who Benefits From Occupational Therapy?

A wide variety of people can benefit from occupational therapy, including those with

Þ work-related injuries including lower back problems or repetitive stress injuries

Þ limitations following a stroke or heart attack

Þ arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or other serious chronic conditions

Þ birth injuries, learning problems, or developmental disabilities

Þ mental health or behavioral problems including Alzheimer's, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress

Þ problems with substance use or eating disorders

Þ burns, spinal cord injuries, or amputations

Þ broken bones or other injuries from falls, sports injuries, or accidents

Þ vision or cognitive problems that threaten their ability to drive

Through evaluation and treatment, occupational therapy practitioners help people perform functional activities such as:

·  caring for personal needs such as bathing and dressing

·  participating in school, work and leisure pursuits

·  performing household tasks, such as shopping and cooking

·  being involved in job tasks and participating in the community

·  relearning use of an injured hand or limb

·  selection of adaptive equipment for tasks including reaching, bathing, and homemaking

What Services Do Occupational Therapists provide?

♦ hospitals and outpatient centers

♦ public and private schools

♦ nursing homes

♦ state institutions

♦ mental health centers

♦ daycare programs

♦ home health agencies

♦ private practices

♦ retirement communities

♦ senior centers

Where is Occupational Therapy Available?

Occupational therapy is skilled treatment that helps individuals achieve independence in all facets of their lives. It gives people the "skills for the job of living" necessary for independent and satisfying lives. Services typically include:

Customized treatment programs to improve one's ability to perform daily activities

Comprehensive home and job site evaluations with adaptation recommendations

Performance skills assessments and treatment

Adaptive equipment recommendations and usage training

Guidance to family members and caregivers

About Occupational Therapy Practitioners

Occupational therapy practitioners are skilled professionals whose education includes the study of human growth and development with specific emphasis on the social, emotional, and physiological effects of illness and injury.

The occupational therapist enters the field with a bachelors, masters, or doctoral degree. The occupational therapy assistant generally earns an associate degree.

Practitioners must complete supervised clinical internships in a variety of health care settings, and pass a national examination. Most states also regulate occupational therapy practice.

What is OT?