What is occupational therapy?
Occupational therapists help people of all ages improve their motor, sensory and cognitive skills. Occupational therapy (OT) may be done in combination with other therapies, including physical therapy and speech therapy. People who get OT treatment may have an injury, disability, illness or condition that limits their function. People with the following conditions may get occupational therapy:
- Birth injuries or birth defects
- Sensory processing disorders
- Traumatic injuries (brain or spinal cord)
- Learning problems
- Autism/pervasive developmental disorders
- Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
- Mental health or behavioral problems
- Broken bones or other orthopedic injuries
- Developmental delays
- Post-surgical conditions
- Burns
- Spina bifida
- Amputations
- Cancer
- Hand injuries
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Cerebral palsy (CP)
- Stroke
Occupational therapy services
Your occupational therapist will develop a treatment plan based on your unique diagnoses and needs. Occupational therapy treatments may include:
- Evaluation and assessment
- Exercise to help strength and movement
- Stretching
- Activities to build memory, problem solving, daily living skills
- Learning news ways to do tasks
Occupational therapy may be done at a rehabilitation center or rehabilitation gym. You will need a referral from your doctor to receive occupational therapy.
