Occupational therapy: Overview
Occupational therapy (OT) helps people with long-term conditions to live as independently as they can. These conditions include problems like arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and COPD. OT includes learning the best ways to do daily tasks and how to save your energy.
Occupational therapist (OT)
Occupational therapists are health and rehabilitation professionals who help people regain, develop, and build skills that are important for independent functioning, health, well-being, security, and happiness.
Occupational therapists work with people of all ages who, because of illness, injury, developmental delays, or psychological problems, need assistance in learning skills to help them lead independent, productive, and satisfying lives.
An occupational therapist (OT) can be licensed at the professional level after completing a degree in their field. OTs must also complete a supervised fieldwork program and pass a national certification examination.
Occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) typically have completed an associate degree program.
Why is occupational therapy done?
Examples of the many different conditions and situations in which occupational therapy can help are:
- Mental and physical impairments a person has had since birth.
- Recovery and return to work after a work-related injury.
- Sudden serious health conditions such as a stroke, heart attack, brain injury, or amputation.
- Chronic (ongoing) conditions, such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Learning disabilities or developmental disabilities.
- Mental health or behavioral issues such as Alzheimer's disease, post-traumatic stress, substance use disorder, and eating disorders.
©2011-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated