Occupational therapy is a branch of medicine which uses various methods and procedures to help people with physical and mental ailments develop, maintain, or recover skills needed to function in day to day life, as well as in workplace environments. Occupation therapy has evolved to a great extent since its inception and it is now used in numerous setting. Read below for 5 types of occupational therapy.

Children and Adolescents

In children of all ages and adolescents, occupational therapy is used for several purposes. Such therapists can get involved with schools and other teaching institutions and set up programs meant to prevent and reduce obesity in children.

For children of a pre-school age or for those who have just started attending school, occupational therapy can help with the development of hand writing skills. This type of therapy can also be useful for children with physical and mental disabilities, as it help them better integrate in the community and society.

Mental Health

Mental ailments are responsible for a great number of disabilities and their treatment involves a multidisciplinary approach, which includes the use of occupational therapy. Occupational therapy for mental disabilities has several purposes such as helping patients set up and maintain a schedule, helping the maintain and improve certain skills, involving them in the community, finding them employment, and aiding them with money management.

Rehabilitation

Occupational therapy can also help a large number of patients who are disabled as a result of accidents or certain medical conditions (autism, Alzheimer’s). For people who have lost a limb, occupational therapy can teach them how to cope with the condition, how to handle a prosthetic device, and how to use their other limbs to maintain a good quality of life.

For people who have been left disabled after traumatic injuries to the brain or various other ailments, occupational therapy can help them regain some of their skills in order to help them better function within the community. Rehabilitation occupational therapy is also useful for people who have suffered accidents at their workplace and are trying to recuperate so as to be able to return to work.

Health and Wellness

Occupational therapy is an important instrument used not only in recovery, but also in preventing. This therapy can help with the prevention of various diseases and illnesses, the promotion of healthy lifestyles, improvement of factors that are beneficial to one’s health and wellbeing, and encouraging social participation.

Elderly Care and Productive Aging

As people age, they find it increasingly harder to maintain their independence and to continue enjoying the activities they once did. Occupational therapy can be of aid for these people as well. Therapists can evaluate each patient and determine what changes they need to make both in themselves and their homes, in order to continue enjoying their independence.

There are other types of occupational therapy but the five presented above are the most important. Occupational therapy is an important branch of medicine, which can be beneficial in numerous clinical and social settings.

For more information, please visit our occupational therapy website.

For more information, please visit our occupational therapy website http://www.worcester.edu/OccupationalTherapyDept/default.aspx

Author Bio: For more information, please visit our occupational therapy website.

Category: Education
Keywords: occupational therapy