What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy is a health care profession that helps people across all age groups to overcome the effects of disability, caused by any kind of illness, disorder, injury, or natural process of ageing. It enables one to carry out the activities that they need or want to do in order to lead healthy and fulfilling lives, through therapeutic use of daily activities (occupations).

"Occupation" is a term that refers to purposeful activities that keep people busy and engaged, that are meaningful to them, gives a sense of identity, defines them, and assists in making their life more fulfilling and happier. If we observe the human life span, we are engaged in some or the other activity all of the time. It can be anything from doing essential day to day tasks of self-care, going to school or work or spending time in some leisure activity. Occupational therapy practitioners enable people of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping them promote health, and prevent an illness or disability and focus on ability.

Thus, occupational therapy is a holistic approach and an occupational therapist will consider all aspects of human life. So be it physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual or environmental. OTs not only look at the physical effects of ageing, injury or disease, but also address the psycho-social, community and environmental factors that influence functional ability.This kind of complete support makes a remarkable difference in one’s life and gives them a renewed sense of purpose, opening up new horizons, and changing the way they feel about their present condition as well as their future.

Occupational Therapy is focused on long term health and well-being. OT is a safe, non-surgical, cost effective and research-based rehabilitation process, which involves an individual to participate in their daily life in ways that matter to them the most and in doing so enable one return to their normal functioning. Our role is to serve as a guide, by helping one establish their health and life goals—and then working with them to find a custom treatment plan that works best to achieve those goals.

So, how exactly can an OT bring about a change in one’s life?

Physically

Strength, coordination and balance.

Mentally

Memory, organization skills and learning difficulties.

Emotionally

Manage stress, identify triggers, behavior modulation and coping strategies

Spiritually

Find meaning, purpose and better outlook towards life.

Social and Environmentally

Home, school, work and community.

If you or your loved one needs assistance in any of these areas, do connect to to find out why you cannot do what you would like or need to do and figure out a way forward!!