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Understanding the Role of An Occupational Therapist

An occupational therapist is a health care professional who enables people across the lifespan to engage in occupations and activities that they find meaningful. They also focus on a person's capability to do daily life activities, whether at home, work, school, or in the community. Occupational therapists evaluate the patient's physical, cognitive, and emotional abilities and prepare individualized intervention plans to help them live more independently and have a better life.

Scope of Practice

The scope of occupational therapists is really wide and diverse. It includes physical rehabilitation, mental health, pediatrics, gerontology, and community health. Occupational therapists are employed within hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, nursing homes, and mental health institutions, among others. In working closely with other health professionals, the best interest of the patients is foremost in their minds.

Specializations within Occupational Therapy

An occupational therapist can specialize in a wide variety of fields, including hand therapy, neurorehabilitation, pediatric occupational therapy, mental health, gerontology, and vocational rehabilitation. One can practice these specializations after further education and training in such specializations and can thereby make focused interventions and support specialized populations.

Services Provided

Occupational therapists provide a number of services in order to meet clients' needs individually. Such services can include:

• Functional skill evaluation and assessment
• Development of individualized treatment plans
• Prescription and education on adaptive equipment
• Cognitive rehabilitation
• Sensory integration therapy
• Activities of daily living (ADL) training
• Workstation ergonomics assessment and modification
• Community reintegration programs
• Caregiver education and training
• Advocacy for accessibility and inclusion

Preventive Care

Occupational therapists are also part of preventive care, meaning that they promote health and wellness to avoid disabilities. They work with people who are at risk of having certain conditions or injuries to formulate strategies on how they can maintain the best functional abilities and prevent further decline. They also provide education and training on injury prevention, stress management, and healthy lifestyle choices for good health.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Occupational therapists are trained to evaluate and diagnose various physical, cognitive, and psychosocial conditions that affect a person's participation in daily activities. Based on assessment findings, they design individualized intervention plans that aim at enhancing the functional abilities and independence of their clients. Modes of intervention can be therapeutic exercises, manual therapy techniques, assistive devices, environmental modifications, and psychosocial interventions.

Advancements in Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy keeps updating with new research, technology, and best practices. Recent advancements include utilizing telehealth services for clients living in remote areas, utilizing novel assistive technologies to boost independence, and administering new treatment approaches based on the latest scientific evidence. Occupational therapists update themselves on these trends to deliver the best services to their clients.

Consult Expert Occupational Therapists at InstaCare Now

If you or your loved one needs the services of an occupational therapist, come for a consultation with expert therapists at InstaCare. Our highly experienced occupational therapy team is all about helping people with the achievement of goals and independence in their daily activities. We are here to help you in any way. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and learn how occupational therapy can make a difference.

Q: What conditions can occupational therapists treat?

A: Conditions they treat run the gamut, including stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, arthritis, developmental disabilities, mental health disorders, and chronic pain.

Q: Do I need a referral to see an occupational therapist?

A: In most instances, referral from a physician or other health professional is required for occupational therapy. Some occupational therapy services may be accessible without a referral; it often depends on your insurance coverage and the policies of the provider of that therapy.