What Is Occupational Therapy?

An injury or illness can set you back, often to the point where even life’s simplest tasks – from feeding and dressing yourself to bathing and going to the toilet – become complicated. Oftentimes after an accident or trauma, these activities need to be relearned. That’s where occupational therapy comes in. Should you or a loved one ever need the services of occupational therapy, here is what you need to know.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY VS. PHYSICAL THERAPY

While many of the treatment methodologies are similar, physical therapy is used to help a patient regain strength, range of motion and flexibility, most commonly following surgical procedures, accidents, and injuries or illness. On the other hand, occupational therapy is used to restore many of the simple life functions that have been diminished by accident, illness or injury.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS

Occupational therapists are highly skilled and trained healthcare professionals who help patients regain lost or diminished life skills. Many occupational therapists are specialists in a particular field, for example, hand therapy. They are known as creative problem-solvers whose goal it is to help you or your loved one regain independence in a safe, holistic environment.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY SERVICES

As part of their treatment plan, occupational therapists will evaluate their patient’s goals, then create interventional plans to help their patients achieve these goals. They do this by working with patients of all ages and abilities in various settings – to include nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, sports clubs, hospitals, workplaces, and schools. In their capacity, occupational therapists guide, assist and teach their patients how to function in everyday, common scenarios to help them overcome disease, injury, trauma, or disability. In effect, the patients have an ally their side through it all, serving as both advocate and advisor.

PEDIATRIC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS

Not all those who require the assistance of an occupational therapist are adults; children with developmental disabilities can benefit from their services by being taught how to enjoy and participate in school activities and social settings. Children on the autism spectrum can also benefit from the guidance of an occupational therapist to help them navigate through social situations and develop skills to be used during transitional periods.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS AND BRAIN INJURIES

Brain surgery patients or those who have sustained traumatic brain injuries may experience cognitive changes, which can be a frightening experience. Occupational therapists provide a comforting support system for these patients. For patients with injuries or chronic conditions, occupational therapists help them return to their jobs and perform their duties despite their injuries.

OTHER FUNCTIONS

Occupational therapists can perform home safety evaluations and advice on home modifications, ensuring you or your loved one is able to function  They can also help you create a living or workspace that is ergonomically appropriate for you to be able to perform the tasks required to live and work successfully.

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SERVICES IN WOOSTER, OHIO

At Wooster Community Hospital, we offer a variety of occupational health services – from nonemergency medical care to occupational and physical therapy – in our various facilities throughout Ohio. We also provide corporate care services from workers’ compensation to corporate health and wellness. For more information about occupational health services in Wooster, please call us at (330) 202-2273. Our friendly team awaits your call and welcomes you in any of our locations in Ohio.