Occupational therapy
Occupational therapy (OT) is a therapeutic practice designed to assist individuals of all ages in overcoming physical, sensory, motor, or cognitive challenges resulting from injuries, illnesses, or disabilities. The primary objective of OT is to promote independence and enhance quality of life by helping patients engage in everyday activities, such as bathing, cooking, and social interactions. Originating in the late 19th century, OT initially focused on mental health but has since expanded to encompass a broad range of conditions, including developmental disorders and psychological issues.
Occupational therapists work in diverse environments, including hospitals, schools, and private homes, where they tailor interventions to meet the unique needs of each patient. Their role may involve rehabilitating individuals post-surgery, assisting children with special needs, or supporting elderly patients facing cognitive decline. OT emphasizes practical skill development and may include both physical and psychosocial components, allowing clients to navigate daily life more effectively. For example, therapists may teach patients recovering from surgery how to safely perform daily tasks or help those with cognitive impairments relearn essential life skills.
Overall, occupational therapy is a holistic approach that not only addresses physical rehabilitation but also supports emotional and social well-being, ensuring that individuals can participate fully in their daily lives.
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Occupational therapy
Occupational therapy (OT) is a type of therapy that helps people of all ages with physical, sensory, motor, or cognitive issues caused by injuries, illnesses, or disabilities. The goal of occupational therapy is to help patients live and function as independently as possible in all areas of life. OT helps patients adjust to physical and cognitive changes they may have suffered due to injury or illness. The therapy is also beneficial to people with autism, developmental disorders, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and more. The therapy was originally developed to help patients with mental illnesses, but it eventually evolved to include patients suffering from other ailments. Occupational therapists work in a variety of settings, such as therapy centers, clinics, hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and private residences.
History
The formal practice of occupational therapy dates back to the late nineteenth century, although it has been used in one form or another since ancient times. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, people skilled in the arts would visit hospitals to work with patients with mental illnesses. Medical researchers found that patients with mental illnesses benefited from engaging in normal activities, such as cleaning, crafting, and gardening. Physicians then began to encourage patients to participate in these and similar activities.
Over time, occupational therapy was used for patients with both mental and physical illnesses. The National Society for the Promotion of Occupational Therapy formed in 1917, to aid soldiers who had been injured during World War I (1914–1918). Soon, occupational therapy focused not only on the mind but also on the physical body. The focus on both mind and body helped differentiate it from physical therapy, which deals with healing the body and focuses on pain management, strength, range of motion, motor function, and endurance. In OT, the word occupational is not used to refer to work-related activities. Instead, it refers to everyday activities in life, such as bathing oneself, walking to the mailbox, driving, or preparing dinner. The goal of occupational therapy is to help patients with life skills at home, work, school, and in public.
The National Society for the Promotion of Occupational Therapy changed its name to the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) in 1921. In 1933, the association asked the American Medical Association (AMA) to help standardize educational programs for occupational therapists. The AMA accepted regulations for the profession two years later and then adopted standards for an occupational therapy assistant in 1958. The main difference between the two professions is that occupational therapy assistants cannot evaluate patients, but they can aid in their care.
In the years the followed, the AOTA continued to update educational requirements for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants. As of 2007, occupational therapists had to complete a master's degree to practice, while occupational therapy assistants were required to complete an associate's degree or higher. Both must pass certification exams and complete fieldwork programs. All states require occupational therapists to obtain and maintain licensure through continuing education classes.
Overview
Occupational therapy aims to help people with illnesses, injuries, developmental delays, or psychological problems learn skills so they can lead normal, independent, and productive lives. OT includes a mix of activities and instruction to help people realize these goals. It may be used to assist patients recovering from injury or surgery, help children with cognitive and physical difficulties participate in school and social activities, and support elderly people who are experiencing physical and cognitive decline. For example, an occupational therapist may help people who are overcoming injuries to return to work, assist people who have a chronic condition such as multiple sclerosis, or aid individuals born with mental or physical impairments. Occupational therapists may choose to concentrate on specific areas within the field, such as working with children with sensory disorders or elderly individuals.
Occupational therapists work in a variety of settings. In hospitals, they work with patients to ensure they have the day-to-day skills they need to go home, such as washing and dressing themselves. In nursing homes or rehabilitation facilities, they might play a game of catch with a patient to work on hand-eye coordination and balance to improve the person's mobility and reduce his or her fall risk. In a private residence, they may evaluate the environment to ensure the patient will be able to carry out daily activities safely. Sometimes a person will receive both physical and occupational therapy as part of his or her treatment plan.
For example, an occupational therapist would teach patients who have had hip replacement surgery how to use a walker correctly before leaving the hospital. The occupational therapist would also teach them how to climb steps, shower, get dressed, and use adaptive technologies to make life easier. A person with a hip replacement cannot bend while healing, so he or she may need to use devices to aid in certain activities, such as putting on shoes. Oftentimes, occupational therapists will go to patients' homes to aid in their care. This allows them to detect any potential dangers or obstacles that patients might face and help the patients navigate these hazards safely. As they heal, hip replacement patients will receive physical therapy to focus on strength and motion. Some occupational therapists may provide patients with physical exercises to complement physical therapy plans.
Individuals who have suffered from injuries that affect cognitive abilities may benefit from occupational therapy as well. Occupational therapists can help them relearn how to use their limbs or walk; how to grocery shop, balance a checkbook, cook, or clean; and how to overcome stressful situations. OT can aid children with autism or other sensory disorders to help them understand and process information, overcome social anxieties, and participate in school activities. In addition, occupational therapists may provide guidance to caregivers, parents, and family members on how to care for their loved ones.
Bibliography
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