What
is Occupational Therapy?
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.
Who Benefits From Occupational Therapy?
A wide variety of people can benefit from occupational
therapy, including those with
- work-related injuries including lower back
problems or repetitive stress injuries
- limitations following a stroke or heart attack
- arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or other serious
chronic conditions
- birth injuries, learning problems, or developmental
disabilities
- mental health or behavioral problems including
Alzheimer's, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic
stress
- problems with substance use or eating disorders
- burns, spinal cord injuries, or amputations
- broken bones or other injuries from falls,
sports injuries, or accidents
- vision or cognitive problems that threaten their
ability to drive
Source: AOTA (www.aota.org) Retrieved January
27, 2005. |
