Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is the application of activities for evaluation,
identification and treatment of problems that interfere with an
individual’s performance of daily activities. The lives of these
individuals may have been disrupted by a physical illness or injury, an
emotional disorder, a congenital or developmental disability or the
aging process.
Occupational therapy is
prescribed by a physician to help achieve optimal levels of daily
functioning and the prevention of further health problems.
An occupational therapist develops a specific,
individualized treatment plan for each patient which is based on
purposeful activities. These therapeutic activities contain several
components.
These activities are to
be meaningful to the individuals being treated. They facilitate progress
toward meeting the individuals' current needs in their daily activities
and are matched to the individual's level of functioning. Activities
will always be adjustable to accommodate the individual's change in
abilities.
For infants and children, occupational therapy would be indicated for those dealing with diagnoses such as cerebral palsy, autism, sensory integration dysfunction, congenital anomalies, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, developmental delays, learning disabilities and emotional disturbances.
Occupational therapy for adolescents and young
adults can be beneficial for orthopedic
issues, sports injuries, and neurological deficits such as head trauma
and spinal cord injuries.
Occupational therapy for adults
might include treatment for problems such as
occupational injuries, amputations and hand trauma. Other problems such
as vascular disease and neurological dysfunction would also benefit
through care.
The Occupational Therapist might work with the
older adult who has problems such as arthritis, debilitating disease,
heart disease, cancer, stroke, Parkinson's disease and impaired
cognitive functions.
