What is occupational therapy?

Occupational therapy (OT) is treatment that helps you improve your ability to perform daily tasks. It can help you learn how to move through your environment or use different tools to participate in your activities safely.

You might need OT after trauma or an injury. Some people do occupational therapy to manage symptoms from a chronic (long-term) condition or disability.

Occupational therapy helps people live as self-sufficiently as possible. The occupation in occupational therapy doesn’t necessarily mean your ability to work or do your job — although some people do use occupational therapy to help them get back to work after an injury. Occupation is a general term providers use to mean any of the daily tasks you do.

You’ll work with an occupational therapist — a healthcare provider who’ll make sure you’re safe and supported during your therapy sessions.

Which activities are done during occupational therapy?

Occupational therapy usually has three stages:

• Assessment.
• Interventions.
• Evaluations and outcomes.

Assessment

Usually, the first time you meet with an occupational therapist, they’ll conduct what’s known as an assessment. They’ll get to know you and your loved ones, talk about your goals and discuss any barriers to success you’re currently experiencing.

Your therapist might also examine your home, workplace or any other environment you visit frequently. This will help them know exactly where you’ll need support and how they can help you meet your goals.

Interventions

Interventions are tools, resources or other changes in your environment or routine that help you complete tasks better. One type of common intervention is learning to use a new piece of assistive equipment — like a prosthetic (artificial replacement) limb or a wheelchair. Your occupational therapist will make sure you can use this new equipment safely and confidently in all your environments and during all your daily activities.

Sometimes, interventions are exercises that increase your physical strength and coordination. This can be related to healing after a specific injury or overall fatigue. You might work with a mental health professional on any emotional or mental health issues you’re experiencing.

Everyone’s needs are unique, and your therapist will develop interventions customized to your physical, mental and social goals.

Occupational therapy will help you improve your ability to perform tasks (occupations) to live as self-sufficiently as possible. OT can help you learn to safely:

• Get dressed.
• Take your medication.
• Shop for groceries.
• Drive.
• Use a computer or other technology.

This isn’t a complete list of the activities people do during occupational therapy, just some examples. Tell your therapist what your goals are, and they’ll work with you to meet those needs.

Evaluations and outcomes

Evaluations and outcomes is the ongoing phase you’ll be in after you adjust to your interventions. Your therapist will monitor your progress and your mental and emotional health as you get used to your interventions. They’ll adjust any interventions that aren’t working as well you’d like.