Occupational Therapy Helps Patients Recover From An Injury Or Illness
Occupational therapy to improve daily living is one of many healthcare professions that helps patients recover from an injury or illness. However, what sets it apart is its focus on helping people regain the daily activities that they need to live a fulfilling life.
During the evaluation process, your OT will talk to you about your environment, family, friends, and important life activities. They may also review your medical records to understand your health condition better and identify specific treatments that will help you reclaim your independence.
Your OT will then create a plan for you to address your needs and goals based on your current abilities. During your sessions, they’ll provide you with hands-on therapeutic techniques and exercises to assist in your recovery and return you to the tasks you love. These can be things that you do for work, play or leisure, such as walking on a regular basis, cooking, managing finances, or socializing with your neighbors or friends.
The skills that OTs possess allow them to treat a wide range of illnesses and injuries. Their expertise in re-establishing functional, meaningful, and fulfilling occupations in all areas of the body allows them to help people of any age reclaim their sense of belonging, control and purpose. They are skilled in the field of occupational justice, which is defined as “the benefits, privileges and harms associated with participation in occupations.”
As a result, they work with individuals and communities from all backgrounds and cultures to improve their lives and reclaim their dignity. They do this by focusing on the impact that an individual’s ability to participate in his or her life’s occupations has on their physical, psychological and emotional well-being.
As the baby boomer generation ages, OTs will continue to be in high demand for their expertise. This has led to a number of career options for those with an interest in the field, including management roles, becoming a professor or obtaining specialty training and starting their own private practice. Those with strong communication and interpersonal skills who want to make a difference in the lives of others should consider an occupational therapy career. The skills gained through an occupational therapy degree from a university like Pacific can be applied in a variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation and psychiatric hospitals, community centers, schools, group homes, clinics and home health agencies.