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WHAT IS OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Occupational therapy is a discipline that aims to promote health by enabling people to perform meaningful and purposeful activities. Occupational therapists help individuals with mental, physical, developmental, emotional, and environmental barriers that limit engagement and independence with meaningful occupations in three areas: self-care, productivity, and leisure.

Self-care means you can get dressed, bathe, and look after your hygiene. Occupational therapy can raise your productivity, allowing you to go to work and school and participate in the community. You will also be able to participate in sports, tend to the garden and partake in social activities for leisure.

The ultimate goal of occupational therapy is to help clients have independent, productive, and satisfying lives by targeting any barriers in the areas mentioned above of their lives.

The Occupational Therapists (OTs) at Health Bound provide services in various areas of clinical practice, such as acquired brain injury, orthopedic injury, spinal cord injury, stroke, mental health, chronic pain, and more. Our OTs also coordinate hospital discharge planning and help with community reintegration following an injury or a stay at the hospital. They frequently perform home safety assessments and recommend necessary equipment/assistive devices or home modifications to increase clients’ safety and independence. They provide wheelchair seating assessments and prescriptions, assess functional cognitive status, and design individualized programs to compensate or remediate cognitive deficits, for example, following a brain injury. Additionally, our OTs provide work site assessments and design return-to-work programs to ensure a safe and gradual return. Lastly, our Occupational Therapists are involved in every evaluation of catastrophic file management, including the assessment, treatment, and care coordination of our catastrophically injured patients. We have trained CAT-certified Occupational therapists working with a Multidisciplinary team (Psychiatrists, Neuropsychologists, Orthopaedic Surgeons, Neurologists, Physiatrists, etc.) to address catastrophic file management and assessment. Our team is skilled in completing Functional/Situational assessments and administering the Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOSE) and Spinal Cord Injury Measure (SCIM).

WHAT TO EXPECT ON YOUR FIRST VISIT

Your first visit with an occupational therapist will involve an initial assessment and interview. Your OT will ask questions about the nature of your symptoms, previous medical history, and other relevant health information. In addition, the occupational therapist may complete a physical examination to gain more insight into your physical status, a cognitive assessment to assess your cognitive function, and discuss your psychosocial and environmental barriers/supports that may impact your rehabilitation. Lastly, during your first visit, your OT will learn more about your occupations, such as your job and hobbies that bring meaning to your life and guide you through establishing your personal goals related to your rehabilitation for your recovery.

Based on this initial assessment and your personal goals, you and your occupational therapist will develop an appropriate care plan for you, which may involve recommendations to other specialists or therapists, such as physiotherapists, speech-language pathologists, psychologists, and many more.

CONDITIONS TREATED

  • Acquired Brain Injury
  • Spinal Cord Injury
  • Amputation
  • Burns
  • Stroke
  • Arthritis
  • Cancer
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Muscular dystrophy
  • Failure to thrive
  • Heart disease
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Heart and liver transplantation
  • Tissue Diseases
  • Joint replacement
  • Catastrophic Injuries
  • Work injuries
  • Motor Vehicle Accidents
  • Fractures and Other Musculoskeletal Injuries

TECHNIQUES USED

Wheelchairs, Walkers, Canes, Seating Aids, Scooters An occupational therapist measures the client for mobile devices and seating and prescribes them as necessary.

Movement Therapy The Brunstrom approach to treating hemiplegia is based on the use of motor patterns available to the patient during recovery. 

The Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) approach 

PNF promotes the neuromuscular mechanism’s response through proprioceptors’ stimulation to treat neurological disorders.

Prosthesis Occupational therapy helps develop practical use, tolerance, and training of prosthetic devices, including psychological adjustment to prosthetics.

Mindfulness Meditation is a therapy for clients who experience increased stress due to accidents or chronic pain.

Education regarding sleep hygiene, falls prevention strategies and home safety, energy conservation, pacing, pain management strategies, cognitive strategies, exercise, nutrition, safe use of assistive devices, psychotherapy techniques, etc.

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FAQs

What conditions can occupational therapy treat?

Numerous conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, strokes, injuries, developmental issues, psychological disorders, and chronic pain, can be alleviated by occupational therapy. It includes exercises intended to strengthen mental health, advance motor skills, and increase general well-being.

How often should I attend occupational therapy sessions?

It varies based on individual needs. Typically, patients attend 1-3 sessions per week. Your therapist will create a personalized plan to ensure optimal progress and recovery.

Is insurance going to cover occupational therapy?

Generally, occupational therapy costs are covered by health insurance plans. The specifics of your policy may affect the scope of this coverage. Make sure your coverage isn’t impacted by any special regulations or requirements by checking with your insurance provider.

Can one receive occupational therapy in their home?

Yes, occupational therapy is very possible to be carried out at home or even at any other place. Clinic therapists can assess the home environment and recommend changes, as well as conduct basic assessments and demonstrate additional exercises patients can do at home to further improve their situation. There are also telehealth options for patients in need.

How long does occupational therapy treatment last?

The duration of the treatment depends on the given disease type and speed of clients’ recovery process. A few patients may require a week or two while there are others who may require one and a half months or more. Your therapist will continually assess and alter the treatment plan regularly.

What can I anticipate from an appointment for occupational therapy?

Based on the type of therapy you are receiving, your therapist will assess your competency during a session in addition to assisting with the goals and giving you information on exercises and activities. It is an instrumental, goal-oriented theoretical approach to therapy that focuses on the functional skills in order to attain the patient’s objectives.

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