Occupational Therapy
Introduction
Occupational Therapy is a treatment method that is based on assisting people in becoming independent in self care, hobbies and careers. Therapy provides patients with the skills that they need to improve function in one or multiple areas of their lives. The counselors who work in the Occupational Therapy field are concerned with promoting well being in skills and education. Treatment aims toward giving people the tools that they need to work better and create a more independent life. It's often that Occupational Therapy will treat those who have suffered from an injury, mental condition or physical disability. These patients have a challenging time completing duties because of the disability. Therapy helps by assessing, healing and strengthening a patient physically and substantially.
Goals of Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy focuses on improving career moves, self care and interests. The counselor will help the individual adapt to a new environment and assist them in reaching their full potential by enhancing skill and independence. The occupation doesn't necessarily have to be a career mode; it can pertain to anything that occupies the patient's time such as interests and self care. Regardless of whether or not that occupied time is paid, treatment focuses on providing the patient with purpose and motivating them to be productive in their career environment or personal lives. Therapy is necessary when a dysfunction has occurred toward interests because of a disability or illness. This may prevent the client from utilizing skills and potential. It is the goal of the therapist to help the client in areas that they are suffering and help them perform activities once again. By increasing the mobility of the client through exercises and strengthening techniques they will feel satisfied in knowing that they are closer to reaching their goal.
When is Occupational Therapy Used?
Some disabilities treated are mental and developmental. Occupational Therapy is conducted to help the patients who are suffering from some sort of barrier. Many come into the sessions due to a silent disability. They may have been diagnosed with a mental health condition that is preventing them from progressing or moving forward in their next chapter of life. It is commonly implemented when there is a need for physical improvement.
How Occupational Therapy Works
The process of therapy depends on the patient's condition and how they are restricted. Depending on their needs the therapist will assist them in performing activities that provide them with education, mobility and a full range of motion. Home skills and personal managing skills are often furthered. Physical exercises are performed to improve the patient's posture and body movement. First the therapist will diagnose the shortcoming and create a treatment plan that improves their function and physical stance. By enhancing both of these more progress can be made than if a physical therapist were used for healing purposes.
Occupational Therapy works by getting to know the patient and what they would like to do with their career or free time. This impairment may be something that's been present since birth. The therapist will become familiar with the function and mobility that needs to be improved before creating a treatment plan during the initial session. Each of these sessions will improve the daily needs of the patient and provide them with knowledge, development and guidance. Therapy helps those who have recently suffered from a dramatic health condition or chronic disease. With each treatment the patient should begin to experience improvement in how they move and feel. This will provide them with the confidence that they need to do what they desire in life and occupations.
There are two professionals responsible for conducting this treatment: occupational therapists and occupational therapist assistants. Physical therapy focuses on strength and range of motion. Occupational development focuses on strength, range of motion, mobility and function elements. Treatment is conducted in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes and children's schools or clinics. After the treatment has been completed the patient will be able to live as independently as they possibly can in regards to their condition. There are no restrictions toward age or illness – therapy trains patients in learning new skills that can increase their effectiveness and independence. The therapist teaches the patient how to take care of themselves and participate in activities that contribute toward self expression or identity. The treatment also provides the client with confidence which is needed for growth and developmental satisfaction. This form of treatment restores hope and prosperity in patients who deserve freedom in a mental and physical manner.
References
Occupational therapists. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.hpc-uk.org/assets/documents/10000512Standards_of_Proficiency_Occupational_Therapists.pdf
Understanding occupational therapy. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://es.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagename=ntl_understand_ot&
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