Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy trains a person to achieve increased independence after a physical illness or injury. Relearning the daily tasks of living, from personal grooming and dressing to cooking and housekeeping, are stressed in Occupational Therapy. A patient needing special equipment for mobility and independence may need occupational therapy to learn how to and become accustomed to using such equipment. The occupational therapist works closely with the other therapists so that the interaction of the therapies will expedite the patient’s healing process. Because of this cooperation, the activities and level of techniques used vary from simple to complex, as necessary. Most importantly, the patient is actively involved in a variety of exercises so that their maximum physical and emotional strengths are used toward their recovery.
In summary Occupational Therapists focus on enhancing independence in bathing, dressing, eating and toileting with activities of daily living. The Therapists utilize adaptive devices and techniques, energy conservation, and maximizing hand, arm, and upper body strength.
