Occupational Therapists Near Me

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FAQs:

What is an Occupational Therapist?

Occupational therapists (OTs) are health care professionals specializing in occupational therapy and occupational science. OTs and occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) use scientific bases and a holistic perspective to promote a person's ability to fulfill their daily routines and roles. OTs have training in the physical, psychological, and social aspects of human functioning deriving from an education grounded in anatomical and physiological concepts, and psychological perspectives. They enable individuals across the lifespan by optimizing their abilities to perform activities that are meaningful to them ("occupations"). Human occupations include activities of daily living, work/vocation, play, education, leisure, rest and sleep, and social participation.

What Does an Occupational Therapist Do?

An occupational therapist works with patients who have conditions that are mentally, physically, developmentally, or emotionally disabling. They help these patients develop, recover, or maintain the skills needed for daily living and working.

The goal of an occupational therapist is to help patients with medical issues and complications to live more independently. Therapists are skilled in the social, emotional, and physical effects of an illness, injury, or disability. In doing so they may plan treatment programs and teach patients how to use adaptive equipment.

Occupational therapists work with doctors, nurses, physical therapists, and occupational therapy assistants, and other team members to treat patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly. Common tasks and duties include:

1. Evaluating patients and determining goals for treatment

2. Customizing treatment to each patient’s current ability and goals

3. Re-evaluating patients to ensure goals are being met

4. Adjusting treatment plans to reflect changes in ability

Where Do Occupational Therapists Work?

Occupational therapy services are provided by licensed occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants, to people of all ages in homes, communities, schools, and healthcare settings.

Occupational therapy services may be provided in a client's home, community settings (e.g., community centers, shelters, free clinics), hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, primary care offices, schools, and many other locations.

Occupational therapy practitioners may also work as consultants and experts in health information technology, human centered design, addressing the health of communities, education (e.g. schools, higher education), health promotion programs, driving and community mobility, and many others.

How is Occupational Therapy different from Physical Therapy?

There is one main difference between occupational and physical therapy: Occupational therapy is used to help or regain patients’ ability to perform everyday activities on their own, while physical therapy is used to improve patients’ ability to move their bodies and manage their pain.

While both professions focus on clients who are recovering from injuries, occupational therapists also assist patients who have cognitive or developmental disabilities that affect their motor skills, behavior or emotions. For example, if you need help getting dressed or taking a shower, you would go to occupational therapy. If you need help recovering after giving birth or improving movement in a sprained ankle, you would go to physical therapy.

What are the Required Skills of an Occupational Therapist?

While occupational therapists come from all backgrounds, there are several key skills and qualities that lend themselves well to the nature of occupational therapy work. For instance, it is important for these professionals to have a strong sense of compassion and empathy in order to work with their patients’ best interests in mind as they help improve their everyday lives. In fact, many occupational therapists are drawn to this line of work from a desire to make a positive difference during a very difficult time in the lives of their patients.

In addition to having a people-oriented mindset, there are several skills that OTs should have to be successful in the field. Among these include:

1. Communication Skills: OTs must have strong written and verbal communication skills in order to effectively understand the needs of their patients and explain the treatment process. Additionally, they must be able to clearly document treatment plans and progress, as well as collaborate with other healthcare professionals.

2. Problem Solving: Since no two cases will ever be the same, good OTs must demonstrate excellent problem solving skills to determine the best course of action for each unique situation.

3. Patience and Flexibility: Oftentimes, occupational therapy is a long road to restoring a patient’s independence. Good OTs must be patient and flexible when dealing with the high and low points throughout this process.

Is an Occupational Therapist a Doctor?

Occupational therapists aren’t medical doctors (MDs) or doctors of osteopathy (DOs). They can’t diagnose health conditions, prescribe medication or perform surgeries.

What Kinds of Conditions Does an Occupational Therapist Treat?

An occupational therapist can help you with any injury, condition or disability that makes it harder to go through your daily routine.

You might work with an occupational therapist while you’re recovering from an injury or trauma, including:

1. Bone fractures.

2. Burns.

3. Carpal tunnel syndrome.

4. Strokes.

5. Amputation.

6. Traumatic brain injuries.

7. Spinal cord injuries.

8. Hand injuries.

Occupational therapists also work with people who have chronic conditions such as:

1. Spina bifida.

2. Cancer.

3. Multiple sclerosis (MS).

4. Cerebral palsy.

Occupational therapists support people with certain disabilities, including:

1. Autism spectrum disorder.

2. Developmental delays.

3. Down syndrome.

Why Would a Child Need Occupational Therapy?

When it comes to deciding if your child could benefit from occupational therapy, there are certain signs that may indicate it’s time to seek help. If your child is having difficulty with basic self-care activities such as getting dressed, eating, or brushing their teeth, occupational therapy could be beneficial. Occupational therapy can also help children who have trouble with their gross motor skills, including running, jumping, and throwing a ball. Additionally, if your child is having difficulty with tasks that require fine motor control, such as writing or using scissors, occupational therapy could be beneficial.

Can Occupational Therapist Diagnose?

Occupational Therapists do not diagnose individuals with conditions. Doctors and psychologists can help diagnose individuals with conditions such as depression, anxiety, sensory processing disorder, Autism, ADHD etc. In saying this, Occupational Therapists do assessments and provide reports to doctors to help with the diagnosis.

How Expensive is Occupational Therapy?

If you do not have health insurance, the initial OT evaluation will cost, on average, between $150 and $200. Additional treatment sessions cost between $40 and $200.

Occupational Therapy History

Occupational therapy formally began in March 1917, in Clifton Spring, New York. George Borton and Dr. William Rush Danton and Eleanor Clarke Slagle and some others started the National Society for the Promotion of Occupational Therapy. They were from a different background, but they shared a common belief and interest in the therapeutic use of Occupation.

In 1917, the United States entered world war I. Due to the war, an urgent requirement of rehab professionals increased. World War I resulted in the rapid growth of occupational therapy for physical dysfunction.

In 1923 the National Society for the Promotion of Occupational Therapy changed its name to the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

Like World War I, World War II provided great momentum for occupational therapy services. The war also played a role in defining occupational therapy, especially in physical dysfunction.

The boom of the 1970s in the health care industry (reimbursement policy) helped occupational therapy develop both within the hospital and beyond. OT services were now available in private homes, public schools, mental health centers, and the workplace.

The history illustrates occupational therapy’s struggle to advance the profession by positioning itself as a cost-effective, necessary service within the medical system while trying to maintain a broad occupational therapy definition and areas of practice.

What is Occupational Therapy?

This type of treatment can help if you have pain, injury, illness, or a disability that makes it hard for you to do your job or schoolwork, care for yourself, complete household chores, move around, or take part in activities.

Occupational therapy (OT) teaches you how to adapt. It can help you perform any kind of task at school, work, or in your home. You’ll learn how to use tools (you may hear them called assistive devices) if you need them.

You’ll meet with a health professional called an occupational therapist who can come up with ways to change your movements so you can get your work done, take care of yourself or your home, play sports, or stay active.

It can help you do specific things like:

1. Eat without help from others

2. Take part in leisure activities

3. Do office work

4. Bathe and get dressed

5. Do laundry or clean up around the house

What Does Occupational Therapy Involve?

The goal of occupational therapy is to improve the skills that are needed to live life as independently as possible. This includes being able to take care of yourself and to work, for example – as well as being able to leave your home and meet other people.

Occupational therapy can help you to cope with a (new) mental or physical limitation and manage better in everyday life. This can improve your quality of life and health. Family members can also get useful tips and advice from an occupational therapist.

Depending on the type of limitation and your personal circumstances, occupational therapy may include the following:

1. Re-training of everyday skills (getting dressed, preparing food, managing the household)

2. Learning and practicing skills for school, work or free time

3. Movement and perception exercises

4. Concentration and memory exercises

5. Manual and creative exercises

6. Help in structuring your daily routine

7. Modification of your home or workplace

8. Using medical aids such as a walker or prosthesis

9. Advice and, if needed, guidance for family members

The treatment goals are planned together with the therapist as much as possible, and the progress is also monitored together. For occupational therapy to succeed, you need to actively participate and use the techniques that you have learned in everyday situations as often as possible.

How Effective is Occupational Therapy?

Few studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of OT. A 2017 study followed 166 people treated for work-related musculoskeletal disorders at clinics in the midwestern United States.

Therapy included flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, strengthening, core stability, exercise, and general work simulation. In addition, some people received counseling with a psychologist, education on stress management, and comprehensive body mechanics training.

The study found that the greatest predictor of success was how long each session lasted and the number of sessions a person had per week.

Who Needs Occupational Therapy?

Just about anyone who struggles to do any kind of task may need it.

If you have one of these health problems, ask your doctor if OT could help you:

- Arthritis and chronic pain

- Stroke

- Brain injury

- Joint replacement

- Spinal cord injury

- Low vision

- Alzheimer’s disease

- Poor balance

- Cancer

- Diabetes

- Multiple sclerosis

- Cerebral palsy

- Mental health or behavior issues

It can also help kids with birth defects, ADHD, juvenile arthritis, autism, or severe injuries or burns.

Different Types of Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is a medical service that helps patients gain or regain skills that allow them to perform and complete everyday tasks. The health professional who administers this service is called an occupational therapist. The different types of occupational therapy are as follows:

1. General Occupation Therapy

This focuses on helping patients whose functional capabilities are affected by injury, pain, disability, or illness.

2. Pediatric Occupational Therapy

Pediatric occupational therapy focuses on helping children, especially those who have developmental disorders, ADHD, school trouble, poor vision or hearing, and learning disabilities.

3. OT for Autism

Occupational therapy for autism involves sessions that can take place at home, in school or in daycare.

4. Geriatric Occupational Therapy

Geriatric occupational therapy helps older people cope with and manage the new limitations that come with aging. This can help them continue living life independently.

How Occupational Therapy is Provided

Referral

Occupational therapists can provide direct access to occupational therapy services without a referral from another health professional. Occupational therapists also accept referrals from a broad range of individuals, professionals and organisations. Occupational therapists have the right for self-determination regarding the populations and settings they serve, including those marginalised by economic, political or social factors.

Assessment

The occupational therapy process is based on initial and repeated assessments. The occupational therapist works together with the individual, group or community receiving occupational therapy to focus on personal capacity and environmental factors that may impact performance of important daily activities. Assessment includes the use of standardised procedures, interviews, observations in a variety of settings, as well as consultation with significant others.

Planning

The results of an occupational therapy assessment form the basis of a plan which address short and long-term aims of intervention. The plan is relevant to the developmental stage, habits, roles, life-style preferences and environment of the person, group or community receiving occupational therapy.

Intervention

Intervention focuses on person-oriented programmes designed to facilitate the performance of everyday tasks and adaptation of settings in which the person, group or population receiving occupational therapy works, lives and socialises. Examples include teaching new techniques and providing equipment to facilitate independence in personal care; and reducing environmental barriers by providing resources to lessen stress.

Cooperation

Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants recognise the importance of teamwork. Cooperation and coordination with other professionals, families, caregivers and volunteers are important in the realisation of the holistic approach used in occupational therapy.

Benefits of Occupational Therapy

By seeing an occupational therapist, people develop the skills for the job of living so they are able to participate more fully in the life they choose, or to prevent a disruption in their day-to-day living. Occupational therapy benefits the individual and those around them such as teachers, employers, parents, spouses and other family members.

For example occupational therapy can help overcome and/or develop strategies to cope with:

1. Mobility and seating problems due to developmental disorders, arthritis, a spinal cord injury or simply the aging process.

2. Managing pain due to an automobile accident, burns, incorrect lifting, arthritis, repetitive strain injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome and fibromyalgia.

3. Fatigue due to a heart condition, multiple sclerosis, depression, stress, strokes, etc.

4. Returning to work after an injury or prolonged illness.

5. Relearning and finding new ways to manage home-making activities after a brain injury or acute mental illness.

6. Discovering memory aids and other tricks for people who complain of poor memory due to aging, Alzheimer’s, stress, etc.

What to Expect from Occupational Therapy

During an occupational therapy appointment, the OT will want to evaluate the person’s abilities and goals. How they do this will very much depend on the person and their needs.

However, the therapist will usually begin by reviewing the person’s medical history and asking them some questions about what they do in their day-to-day lives. They may then ask to watch the person carry out certain tasks.

The OT might also evaluate the person’s home, school, or workplace to see whether they can spot any ways to improve them.

For example, they may suggest labeling the kitchen cabinets of older people with memory loss or installing a handrail in the bathroom for people who find it hard to move around.

Once the OT has a clear idea of the person’s circumstances and goals, they will use that information to develop a treatment plan.

They may recommend special equipment, such as eating aids or a wheelchair, and help people learn to use it.

The OT will usually assess the person’s progress after a few weeks or months. They will ask how the person is doing in terms of achieving their goals. They may also suggest changes to the treatment plan at this stage, if necessary.

How to Choose the Right Occupational Therapist Near Me

Occupational therapy is a type of healthcare that helps individuals with disabilities or injuries live their best lives by improving their ability to perform daily activities. If you're looking for an occupational therapist, it can be overwhelming trying to find someone who meets your needs. Here are some tips on how to choose the right occupational therapist for you.

1. Look at Credentials

When choosing an occupational therapist, it's important to make sure they have the proper credentials and education. Look for therapists who are registered with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) and licensed in your state.

2. Consider Specialization

Some occupational therapists specialize in certain areas, such as pediatrics or hand therapy. Think about what area you need help with and look for a therapist who has experience working with patients like you.

3. Check Insurance Coverage

Before scheduling an appointment, check if your insurance covers occupational therapy services and if there are any restrictions on which therapists you can see.

4. Ask About Treatment Approaches

There are various treatment approaches used in occupational therapy, so it's important to ask about what approach a potential therapist uses and whether it aligns with your goals and preferences.

5. Read Reviews or Get Referrals

Reading reviews from previous patients or getting referrals from friends or family members can give insight into what kind of experience others have had with a particular therapist.

Sources:

Wikipedia

Mayo Clinic

AOTA

USA

Regis College

WebMD

Cleveland Clinic

NIH

WFOT

Medical News Today

The OT Station

Ready Kids

Healthline

Hale Makua Health Services

Hand Rehab Pros

Ability Innovations

Occupational Therapy OT

 

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.