What is Occupational Therapy? Who is it Suitable For? What are its Benefits?
Daily life activities can become difficult over time due to health problems, congenital differences, or aging. This is exactly where occupational therapy comes into play. Occupational therapy is a holistic therapy approach applied to help individuals gain their independence, participate in society, and improve their quality of life.
Related Services: Explore our Occupational Therapy services and learn how we support children’s daily life skills development.
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy is a health profession that aims to ensure the individual’s maximum participation in daily life activities by using their physical, cognitive, sensory, and psychosocial abilities. It is also known as “work and activity therapy.”
Occupational therapists prepare special therapy programs according to the individual’s age, skill level, and needs. The goal is to support the individual’s independence and enable them to maintain their life role.
Who Can Receive Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy can be applied in different areas for children, young people, adults, and elderly individuals. Here are the situations where occupational therapy is commonly used:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Cerebral Palsy
- Post-stroke rehabilitation
- Musculoskeletal system diseases
- Age-related disorders such as Alzheimer’s and dementia
- Hand injuries, adaptation process after amputation
- Mental health problems (anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, etc.)
In Which Areas is Occupational Therapy Applied?
Occupational therapists can work in different areas:
1. Pediatric Occupational Therapy
Supports children’s development in areas such as fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, attention, and sensory integration.
2. Neurological Rehabilitation
Helps individuals regain independent living skills in diseases such as stroke, brain injury, and Parkinson’s.
3. Hand Rehabilitation
Therapies specifically planned to regain hand function after hand surgery.
4. Psychosocial Occupational Therapy
Supports the social participation and daily life routine of individuals experiencing mental health problems.
What are the Benefits of Occupational Therapy?
- Gaining independent living skills
- Ease in daily activities (dressing, eating, writing)
- Development of sensory integration skills
- Increased school and work performance
- Increased participation in social life
- Development of self-confidence
- Ensuring adaptation to life after illness or trauma
How Does the Occupational Therapy Process Work?
- Evaluation: The occupational therapist evaluates the individual’s lifestyle, needs, and skills.
- Goal Setting: Goals to be achieved in the therapy process are determined.
- Intervention Plan: A personalized therapy plan is created with applications such as play, exercise, and daily life simulations.
- Follow-up and Development: The individual’s development is monitored through continuous evaluation, and the plan is updated when necessary.
What is the Difference Between Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy?
While physiotherapy aims to improve body functions through physical movements; occupational therapy aims to ensure the individual’s active participation in life activities. In other words, occupational therapy provides the answer to the question “how do I live, how do I do it.”
Learn More: Discover how Bobath Concept and Intensive Therapy can work together with occupational therapy for comprehensive child development.
Occupational Therapy is Life Participation Therapy
Occupational therapy is not just a therapy; it is a powerful support that helps the individual reconnect with life. Especially occupational therapy started early in children can largely balance developmental differences. In adults, it contributes to both physical and psychological well-being by improving quality of life.
If you or a loved one is struggling in daily life, don’t forget to consult an occupational therapy specialist.
Take Action Today
Ready to start occupational therapy for your child? Book an appointment with our expert occupational therapists or explore our comprehensive therapy services .
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