Occupational Therapy Promotes Health, Well-Being, & Participation
Occupational therapy is a healthcare service that helps people of all ages to achieve their goals and maintain their independence by improving their ability to perform daily activities. It is a holistic and client-centered approach that addresses physical, emotional, cognitive, and social aspects of daily living. At Integral Health, we are committed to helping our clients achieve their full potential and live their lives to the fullest. Our team of experienced and qualified occupational therapists is dedicated to providing personalized and effective treatment plans that are tailored to each individual’s specific needs and goals.
We offer a wide range of services, including assessments, interventions, and education and advice. Our occupational therapists work with clients of all ages and abilities, from children with developmental delays to older adults with neurological conditions.
Our approach is based on the principles of client-centered care, which means that we listen to our clients and involve them in every step of their treatment plan. We understand that each person’s journey is unique, which is why we take the time to understand their goals and develop a treatment plan that is right for them.
What To Expect During Your First Visit
An initial examination and interview will take place during your first appointment with an occupational therapist. Your OT will inquire about your symptoms, past health history, and other pertinent health information. The occupational therapist may also do a medical examination to learn more about your physical condition, a cognitive test to evaluate how well you think, and a discussion of any psychosocial or environmental obstacles or supports that might affect your recovery. Finally, at your initial session, your occupational therapist (OT) will find out more about the activities that give value to your life, such as your job and interests, and will assist you in establishing personal goals for your recovery and rehabilitation.
Together with you, your occupational therapist will create a personalized care plan for you based on this initial evaluation and your personal goals. This plan may also include referrals to other professionals or therapists, including physiotherapists, speech-language pathologists, psychologists, and many others.
Conditions That Can Be Treated with Occupational Therapy
- Amputations
- Depression & Anxiety
- Arthritis
- Brain Injury, Dementia, & Alzheimer’s
- Burns
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Dupuytren’s Contracture
- Asperger’s Syndrome
- Autism
- Down’s Syndrome
Techniques and equipment used in occupational therapy
Many different techniques and equipment can be used as part of occupational therapy, depending on the difficulties you are having. Some of these techniques are explained below.
Thinking about activities differently
A key aim of occupational therapy is to help you develop or maintain a satisfying routine of meaningful everyday activities that can give you a sense of direction and purpose.
This can include help with budgeting, domestic, or personal care routines, leisure activities, and involvement in work or voluntary activities.
Adapting your environment
Part of occupational therapy may involve making an environment suitable for your needs. This could be your home, workplace, or where you are studying, and may involve changes such as:
- Putting in ramps, so an area can be accessed in a wheelchair
- Fitting a stairlift
- Installing grab rails for example, by the stairs or beside the bed
- Providing a raised toilet seat, bath lift, or shower seat to make the bathroom easier to use
- Clearing up clutter, reorganizing cupboards, or providing visual cues so you can safely move around and reach what you need
Using special equipment
Occupational therapists can also advise about what special tools or pieces of equipment you may find helpful. For example:
- A walking stick, walking frame, or a wheelchair
- Electric can openers or electric toothbrushes
- Knives with large handles and chunky pens (if you have difficulty holding small objects)
- A non-slip mat for the bath
- A special keyboard or mouse to help you use a computer
- Voice-controlled lights or voice-controlled software on a computer