Texas Allied Rehabilitation

Physical Therapy-Occupational Therapy-Hand Therapy

Occupational Therapy
What Is Occupational Therapy?

The American Occupational Therapy Association executive board (1976) defines it as such: “The therapeutic use of work, self-care, and play activities to increase development and prevent disability. It may include adaptation of task or environment to achieve maximum independence and to enhance the quality of life.”

When Is Occupational Therapy Needed?

Doctors often recommend occupational therapy for clients who have been injured or have limitations from an illness, disease, or disability. Occupational Therapy (OT) may be needed any time a patient has difficulty in any areas of daily living activities.

Doctors may recommend OT for patients with:

-developmental delays
-cerebral palsy
-genetic disorders
-daily functional disorders
-sensory processing disorders
-orthopedic disabilities
-heart and lung conditions
-birth defects (such as spina bifida)
-effects of in-utero drug or alcohol exposure
-acute trauma
-head injury
-limb deficiencies
-muscle diseases
-strokes
-upper extremities injuries

Occupational therapists might guide clients through developmental activities such as:

-sitting, rolling, etc.
-balance and bilateral coordination activities
-adaptive play
-sensory activities/sensory diet planning
-handwriting activities
-upper extremity strengthening activities
-upper extremity ROM
-self-care activities such as dressing, grooming, etc
-community activities such as cooking, purchasing, laundry, etc.

During a visit, an occupational therapist may:

-measure the client’s tone and/or strength
-identify potential and existing problems
-consult with other medical, psychiatric, and school personnel about an individual education plan
-provide instructions for home exercise programs
-recommend a home program