What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapists (OTs) are key members of the health care industry, but their role is often poorly understood. The basic goal of an OT is to assess a patient’s needs and formulate plans for treatment and support.

So really, occupational therapy just determines what you need to live your best life and gets it for you!

But confusion about occupational therapy persists…Let’s try to fix that!

Occupational Therapist VancouverWho Can Occupational Therapy Help?

Part of the confusion might be because OTs work with such diverse individuals.

One day, an occupational therapist might help someone recovering from a serious car accident. The next day, someone born with mobility challenges. And so on.

In fact, many OTs work with children with physical and cognitive impairments, while others work to assist elderly patients to remain independent. 

No matter the age or limitations, occupational therapy helps patients carry out their daily tasks.

Where Do OTs Work?

Occupational therapists often assist patients  in their workplaces by making job site visits to provide ergonomic consultations. However, they can work in many different environments, including hospitals, physical rehab clinics, schools, and even private residences.

What Do Occupational Therapists Do?

An occupational therapist’s own daily tasks are also wide-ranging. But a relationship with any client usually begins with an initial assessment and a report to determine and better communicate a patient’s needs.

From there, occupational therapy proceeds to organizing home support and physical rehabilitation programs, implementing return to work strategies, ordering assistance equipment, and even suggesting major building modifications, like wheelchair access rams.

What Services Can Occupational Therapists Order?

The great thing about occupational therapists is they can help get you nearly whatever services will help you most.

They work with large networks of medical professionals when formulating rehabilitative or compensatory programs. This includes doctors, physiotherapists, chiropractors, kinesiologists, massage therapists, nutritionists, psychologists, home cleaners, equipment stores, home renovators, employers, and more.

With so many skills and abilities, the key is to find an occupational therapist with experiences compatible to your needs. It is also important for the therapist’s personality to be a good fit with yours, since  you will work together for as long as it takes you to achieve your lifestyle goals.

Karp Rehabilitation provides a broad range of occupational therapy services in Vancouver and B.C.’s lower mainland. For much more information about our Occupational Therapy Services: CLICK HERE

To inquire further or make a referral CLICK HERE or Call Karp Today!