Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy (OT) is a healthcare profession that focuses on helping individuals of all ages achieve greater independence in their daily lives through the therapeutic use of everyday activities, also called “occupations.” The goal is to enable people to participate in meaningful activities, whether that’s work, school, self-care, or leisure activities, even if they are experiencing physical, mental, or emotional challenges.

Occupational therapists assess a person’s abilities, strengths, and challenges to design personalized intervention plans that promote functional independence and improve quality of life. These interventions might include exercises, adaptive equipment, environmental modifications, or teaching new techniques to accomplish tasks.

OT is used to address a wide range of conditions, such as:

• Physical disabilities (e.g., car accidents work accidents)
• Mental health conditions (e.g., depression, anxiety,)
• Developmental disorders (e.g., autism, ADHD)
• Cognitive challenges (e.g., concussion, memory problems, driving evaluations)

Overall, occupational therapy helps individuals perform tasks in their daily lives that they may find difficult due to illness, injury, or disability, fostering a sense of accomplishment and well-being.