What is Occupational Therapy?
What does it mean if you’ve been referred for occupational therapy? Occupational therapy, commonly abbreviated as OT, is designed to help people who have an injury, illness or disability achieve more independence. People of all ages can benefit from OT and enjoy a better quality of life as a result. As a patient at Carthage Area Hospital, you can expect to be in good hands with our caring and compassionate licensed therapists as you work together to achieve your personal goals.
How Occupational Therapy Helps
The term occupational therapy is a bit misleading. That’s because it doesn’t just help you at work, but at school and home, too. The goal of OT is to make it easier for you to carry out daily activities, whether that’s eating, walking, playing sports or something else. Through specific exercises, movements and adaptations, OT can help you regain or build function so that you can enjoy life to the fullest.
There’s a wide, diverse range of reasons why someone might benefit from occupational therapy. For example, you might be…
- Recovering from an injury, trauma or major medical event
- Healing after a surgery
- Learning how to adapt after an amputation and/or how to use a prosthetic limb
- Developing coping skills for mental, emotional or behavioral health problems
- Overcoming arthritis or permanent disabilities
- Building motor skills and coordination skills
- Discovering tools to help deal with memory loss
- And many, many more
Licensed occupational therapists have experience working with all types of injuries, disabilities and conditions. Not only does OT help improve physical functioning, but it often boosts self-esteem, confidence and overall psychological, social and environmental well-being, too.
What to Expect
Before you get started, the occupational therapist will first meet with you to go over where you’re at now and where you want to go. They’ll evaluate your current level of ability and any limitations you might have, and then set up a personalized plan. Everyone moves at his or her own pace and the therapist will be right there alongside you to help lead the way. OT sessions are usually ongoing and each appointment can last anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes.
Preparing for Your Appointment
If you’d like to learn more about what occupational therapy is and how it might be able to benefit you or your loved one, talk to your doctor today. You can also contact Carthage Area Hospital Therapy Services by calling 315-493-1340. They’ll be happy to provide directions and assist you with any specific information regarding your appointment.