What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapists help people improve their ability to perform tasks in their daily living and working environments. Occupational therapists help clients to not only improve their basic motor functions and reasoning abilities, but also to compensate for permanent loss of function. Their goal is to help clients have independent, productive, and satisfying lives. Occupational therapists assist clients in performing activities of all types:

In other words, occupational therapists would ask, “Why does this person have difficulties managing daily activities, and what can we adapt to make it possible to manage better or easier?”

What happens during Occupational Therapy?
Assessing and recording a client’s activities and progress is an important part of an occupational therapist’s job. Physical exercises may be used to increase strength and dexterity, while other activities may be chosen to improve visual acuity and the ability to discern patterns. Occupational therapists also use computer programs to help clients improve decision-making, abstract reasoning, problem-solving, and perceptual skills, as well as memory, sequencing, and coordination—all of which are important for independent living.

Therapists instruct those with permanent disabilities, such as spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, or muscular dystrophy in the use of adaptive equipment, including wheelchairs, splints, and aids.

Occupational therapists also treat individuals whose ability to function in a work environment has been impaired. These practitioners arrange employment, evaluate the environment, plan work activities, and assess the client’s progress.

Occupational therapists choose activities that help people learn to engage in and cope with daily life.