What Does an Occupational Therapist Do?

Occupational therapists (OTs) play an important part in helping those of all ages and abilities to participate again in the activities and tasks that are meaningful and necessary for their daily lives. They work with people who have physical, mental, emotional, or developmental challenges that impact their ability to perform everyday activities, such as dressing, eating,  bathing, working, and socializing. 

OTs employ a holistic approach to address their clients’ needs, considering not only their physical limitations but also their emotional and cognitive well-being. They assess their client’s strengths and limitations and develop personalized treatment plans to help them achieve their goals, improve their function, and better their overall quality of life. 

Some common interventions used by OTs include exercise programs to improve strength,  flexibility, and endurance; adaptive equipment and assistive technology to increase independence and safety; environmental modifications to make homes and workplaces more accessible and user-friendly; and cognitive strategies to improve memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. 

OTs also work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as physical therapists, speech therapists, social workers, and psychologists, to provide comprehensive and coordinated care for their clients. 

Occupational therapy is a specific class of healthcare individuals that points their focus towards those with physical, mental, or cognitive issues to develop, recover, or maintain normal life and living and work-based skills. The main outcome of occupational therapy is to help those get their maximum level of independence and improve their overall quality of life. An occupational therapist works with their patients to identify their strengths and challenges, help them with goal setting, and put together a personalized treatment plan that could require exercises,  adaptations, or assistive devices to improve their ability to perform daily activities.

Occupational therapy is a profession that puts into play different therapeutic activities to help people overcome physical, mental, and emotional concerns that may be stopping them from reaching their goals or engaging in things they enjoy. The number one goal of occupational therapy is to help everyone achieve a better quality of life by helping them achieve independence,  more function, and be able to participate in daily activities.

Through occupational therapy, individuals can learn to develop and maintain the skills needed to engage in daily activities, such as dressing, cooking, and driving. Occupational therapists work alongside people who have been through an injury and are suffering from pain, illnesses,  or disabilities that have hindered their ability to do these activities. They can help individuals improve their physical function, such as strength, balance, and coordination, and provide strategies to manage pain and prevent further injury.

In addition to physical therapy, OT will drastically help with improving cognitive function and even help with mental health. It can assist individuals in developing coping strategies, managing stress, and improving their social skills. Occupational therapy can also assist in the management of developmental and behavioral disorders, such as autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorders.

Physical Therapy (PT) and Occupational Therapy (OT) are both healthcare professions that focus on helping people improve their ability to perform daily tasks and live a more independent life. However, the two occupations do have some key significant differences. 

Physical therapy is focused on helping people regain strength, flexibility, and mobility after an injury or illness. PT professionals work with patients to develop exercise programs and other treatments to help them recover from conditions such as back pain, joint injuries, or neurological disorders.

Occupational therapy is specifically focused on helping people significantly improve their ability to do daily activities, like getting dressed, cooking meals, and household chores. OT professionals work with patients to develop strategies for overcoming physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges that may be preventing them from doing these tasks independently.

Overall, both PT and OT are important parts of the healthcare system and can help people improve their quality of life in different ways. Occupational therapy is available at ROC Reconstructive Orthopedic Center. For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 1200 Binz St #100, Houston, TX 77004. We serve patients from Houston TX, Midtown TX, Montrose TX, MacGregor TX, South Central Houston TX, Old Braeswood TX, and surrounding areas.