Treatment FAQ

what are common treatment areas in occupational therapy?

by Dr. Thurman Aufderhar V Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Common OT interventions in this setting can include fine and gross motor coordination, upper extremity strengthening, ADLs/IADLs, cognition, and vision. In this setting, you may see patients for two weeks to over six months, so it’s a great setting to really get to know the clients and build a relationship.

Treatments may involve fine and gross motor coordination, handwriting, behavior management, equipment recommendations, and addressing developmental delays. OTs will also use occupation-based interventions to work on activities of daily living such as dressing, grooming, self-feeding and toileting.Apr 20, 2020

Full Answer

What are the different types of occupational therapy?

Types Of Occupational Therapy

  • Pediatric. Children as young as 2-years-old can benefit from occupational therapy if they need it. ...
  • Autism. ...
  • Geriatric. ...
  • Mental Health. ...
  • Physical Rehabilitation. ...
  • Driving And Community Mobility. ...
  • Environmental Modification. ...
  • Feeding, Eating, And Swallowing. ...
  • Low Vision. ...
  • School Systems Specialty. ...

What is occupational therapy and how can it help you?

Your OT may:

  • Prescribe and train you to use assistive devices like raised toilet seats or wheelchairs
  • Teach you new ways to button a shirt, tie your shoes, get in and out of the shower, or work on your computer
  • Help older adults prevent falls in their home or in public areas

More items...

What can I expect from occupational therapy?

What to Expect Occupational Therapists assist patients in performing activities of all kinds, ranging from using a computer to caring for daily needs, such as dressing, cooking and eating. Physical exercises may be used to increase strength and dexterity, while paper and pencil games may be chosen to improve visual acuity and the ability to discern patterns.

What to expect with occupational therapy?

This assessment will cover:

  • Self-care activities, such as feeding, grooming, bathing, dressing, etc.
  • Activities of independent living, like household and financial management, cooking, etc.
  • Mobility and cognitive ability
  • Strength and range of motion of your arms and hands
  • Vision
  • Sensation and fine motor activities

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What are the 8 areas of occupational therapy?

There are 8 areas of occupation that OTs are trained in:Activities of daily living (ADLs)Instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs)Sleep and rest.Work.Education.Play.Leisure.Social participation.

What are the different areas of occupational therapy?

The nine occupational therapy specialties available to OTs and OTAs include:Gerontology (BCG)Mental Health (BCMH)Pediatrics (BCP)Physical Rehabilitation (BCPR)Driving and Community Mobility (SCDCM or SCDCM-A)Environmental Modification (SCEM or SCEM-A)Feeding, Eating, and Swallowing (SCFES or SCFES-A)More items...•

What are the 5 domains of OT?

These domains are:Occupations.Performance patterns.Performance skills.Environment and context.Client factors.

What treatments do occupational therapists do?

Occupational therapy (OT) is an allied health profession that involves the therapeutic use of everyday activities, or occupations, to treat the physical, mental, developmental, and emotional ailments that impact a patient's ability to perform day-to-day tasks.

Where do OTs make the most money?

According to the BLS, as of May 2020, the highest paying industries and their average salary for occupational therapists include:Nursing care facilities: $92,260 per year.Home healthcare services: $91,830 per year.Hospitals: $86,910 per year.Offices: $86,830 per year.Elementary and secondary schools: $76,560 per year.

What are the four types of occupation?

What Is An Occupation?Artist.Business analyst.Construction worker.Designer.Entrepreneur.Freelancer.Social worker.

What are the five general treatment approaches used in occupational therapy practice?

What are the five general approaches to intervention? Therapeutic use of self, therapeutic use of occupation or activity, preparatory methods, consultation, or education. The OTPF provides a description of the occupational therapy domain and process for OT practitioners, students, and consumers.

What are the 7 core values of occupational therapy?

The profession is grounded in seven long-standing Core Values: (1) Altruism, (2) Equality, (3) Freedom, (4) Justice, (5) Dignity, (6) Truth, and (7) Prudence. Altruism involves demonstrating concern for the welfare of others. Equality refers to treating all people impartially and free of bias.

What are OT frameworks?

Occupational Therapy Models Models provide a framework to support a therapist in organising, interpreting and utilising data in a holistic manner. Our therapist utilise a wide range of models (some are briefly described below) as tools to support their clinical judgements.

What are some occupational therapy activities for adults?

Best Occupational Therapy Activities for AdultsActivity: Origami paper folding. What you need: Origami paper and instructions. ... Activity: Stringing beads. What you need: Large beads and a shoelace knotted at one end. ... Activity: Ball Toss. What you need: A beach ball and a friend. ... Activity: Memoir writing. ... Activity: Yoga.

What does an occupational therapist do on a daily basis?

An occupational therapist treats people with injuries, disabilities, or developmental delays using several therapeutic daily activities. They evaluate, plan, organize, and conduct rehabilitative programs that seek to develop or restore important living skills, and improve general independence.

What does occupational therapy cover?

Occupational therapy (OT) is a treatment for problems with movement and coordination. It helps people improve motor skills involved in everyday tasks, like writing and getting dressed. The need for OT can come up at any age and for a wide range of reasons.

What is occupational therapy?

Occupational Therapy (OT) is defined by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) as the therapeutic treatment for people to develop, recover, or maintain their everyday skills. Occupational therapists often work with people with mental disabilities, injuries, or impairments in order to reinforce their independence and self-esteem.

Why is occupational therapy important?

Occupational therapy is also quite useful to improve the quality of life and well-being of children suffering from various disorders, like the following listed.

How do occupational therapists help children with autism?

Since children with Autism have trouble communicating and interacting with others, occupational therapists study their environment and work with teachers and parents to develop specialized exercises that specifically cater to the child’s needs . These exercises aim to increase the child’s attention span, play skills, attentive transition, response to stimuli, and improve the interaction between them and others.

What can occupational therapists do for Down syndrome?

Occupational therapists are quite adept at creating treatment programs for children with Down’s Syndrome, which can help them learn handwriting, keyboarding, drawing, etc. These activities are extremely beneficial for children who desire to be independent.

What is the best treatment for carpal tunnel?

However, post-surgery treatments differ, as they include mild exercises, flexing and stretching, strength training, and joint stabilization.

How does OT help with cerebral palsy?

OT can help them create pathways to performing daily tasks, and process and interpret sensory input.

How does OT help burn victims?

Combined with physical therapy, OT can help burn victims reduce pain during movements and relearn physical functions that the brain might have forgotten due to a lack of use. A safe and monitored environment is provided for such patients to make sure they don’t hurt themselves during the sessions.

What are the different types of occupational therapy?

Types of Occupational Therapy Specialties. 1. Aquatic Therapeutic Exercise. Occupational therapists who work with clients in the water to help them increase mobility, coordination, and muscle tone may earn an Aquatic Therapeutic Exercise Certification (ATRIC).

What is occupational therapy certification?

Occupational therapists who earn a Specialty Certification in Driving and Community Mobility (SCDCM or CDCM-A) “are skilled at evaluating a person’s ability and potential to drive, providing education and adaptations to support driving, and providing comprehensive resources and training when driving is no longer safe and other forms of community mobility need to be explored,” according to the AOTA. Some responsibilities of OTs with this specialty include assessing driving readiness in adolescents, helping clients increase their comfort levels with new methods of transportation, and modifying vehicles with adaptive equipment.

How many hours of continuing education do you need to be an OT?

Two years’ experience working in a field that focuses on individuals with autism. Must complete 14 hours of continuing education that directly relates to autism. Must pass IBCCES’s Autism Competency Exam.

How to add a specialty to OT?

Typically, OTs add a specialty after they have earned their masters of occupational therapy degree and are already working in that specialized area of OT. Adding a specialty involves earning a certificate through the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) or other certificate-granting organization. In some cases, you must take classes or an exam; in others, proving your prior experience is all that is needed. Rather than being a prerequisite to working in that specialty, a certificate usually serves as proof of prior experience.

Is AOTA certification exam based?

This certification is available through the AOTA assessment to an exam-based certification process. Check its website for updates.

Is AOTA a portfolio assessment?

The AOTA is currently in the process of changing its eligibility requirements from a portfolio assessment to an exam-based certification process. Check its website for updates.

What do occupational therapists do?

Occupational therapists (OTs) offer practical advice and support to help people carry out their daily activities.

Why do people need occupational therapy?

A doctor might refer someone to an occupational therapist if they have acquired a disability, are recovering from a medical event, such as a stroke, or have had an operation. By helping people carry out their daily activities, occupational therapy aims to promote health and improve quality of life.

What is the role of occupational therapists in helping people with disabilities?

According to the American Occupational Therapy Association, therapists will: work with the person and their family to identify their goals. design a custom intervention, or plan, that will help the person perform their everyday activities and reach their goals.

What is the difference between a physical therapist and an OT?

However, while an OT will focus on the person’s goals relating to carrying out their everyday activities, a physical therapist will concentrate on the person’s movement goals.

What does an OT do during an appointment?

During an occupational therapy appointment, the OT will want to evaluate the person’s abilities and goals. How they do this will very much depend on the person and their needs.

Why do people confuse occupational therapy and physical therapy?

People often confuse occupational therapy and physical therapy because specialists in both areas work with similar groups of people and offer practical support. However, these types of therapy are different.

What does a physical therapist do?

Physical therapists tend to prescribe a course of exercises to help improve the way the person moves.

How often do you work with a patient in acute rehab?

You are typically working with a patient for half hour sessions 2-3 times a day, which explains the intensity. This can be a full or part time job and works on the patients ADLs, IADL's, Education, Work, and Social Participation.

How often do you meet with a patient in a clinic?

Outpatient: This can be done in a clinic without the patient staying over night. Meeting with the patient 2-5 times a week is typical and you can work full or part time at the facility. The patient will focus on IADL's, Work, Education, Leisure/Play, and Social Participation.

What is hippotherapy therapy?

Animal Assisted & Hippotherapy: This would typically be a part time job that would go along with your regular Occupational Therapist job. This allows the patient to interact with the animal and allows them to learn an appropriate way to handle or touch the animal. It also helps the patient learn cooperation, increase their mood and teaches them how to trust. This can be done in groups or simply one on one with the patient. This area of therapy also focuses on ADL's, play ,leisure, social participation, and IADL's, all very important components of OT. Hippotherapy uses a horse to perform therapy by helping with sensory and motor skills.

What is assistive technology?

Assistive Technology: This is working with technology as a form of therapy. It uses a device in which the patient is taught to help them live their daily lives. This area is very up and coming for Occupational Therapy.

How often do you meet with mentally ill patients?

You would meet with the patient however many times a week they need to meet and you could be working in groups with other mentally ill patients or simply one on one. You would be helping the patients with behavior control, safety precautions, and getting them back into their daily routines.

What is acute care in a hospital?

Acute Care: This means you are working in the hospital at the patients bed side, not usually in a clinic. You are directly working with the patient focusing on ADL's. Subacute Care: This is for people who don't quite need acute care in a hospital but still need intense therapy.

What are the activities that are included in occupational therapy?

Occupational therapy interventions typically include fine motor activities to develop hand strength, manipulation, endurance, and participation in functional tasks. The following fine motor activities can be included in OT interventions.

What is occupational therapy?

Occupational Therapy and Child Development. Occupational therapy interventions focus on child development and participation in functional tasks, through the participation in daily occupations, as a therapeutic activity. Children develop at different rates and speeds.

What is sensory processing in occupational therapy?

Occupational therapy interventions can include sensory processing strategies to meet the needs of children. The following sensory play ideas can be a part of occupational therapy activities. Sensory Processing is an important part of development of the child. The whole child develops from an interconnected system of touch, taste, sight, smell, ...

Can occupational therapists find informative ideas for occupational therapy treatment and goals?

It is my hope that Occupational Therapists can find informative ideas for Occupational Therapy treatment and goals and Parents and Educators can become more informed and find activities that will meet your child’s interests and needs while working on areas that need development or are just fun.

Where do occupational therapists work?

OTs may work in clinical practice settings, or pursue opportunities in areas like education, writing, research, and consulting.

What is an OT in a hospital?

In acute care, the OT’s role is often to focus on evaluations, and the pacing is fast. Interventions are regularly carried out by the occupational therapy assistant (OTA), though the actual amount of intervention done by the OT varies based on the specific facility and the demands of the day. Ordinarily, patients only stay for a few days before being discharged to settings appropriate for their levels of function, which can include home with home health services, skilled nursing facilities, or inpatient units. Interventions revolve around basic activities of daily living (ADLs).

What is an outpatient rehabilitation clinic?

Outpatient clinics tend to specialize in specific areas of rehabilitation. They can be independently owned, or part of a healthcare system. There are several nationwide physical rehabilitation outpatient clinic chains that frequently advertise OT positions. As with hospital-based outpatient OTs, clinic-based outpatient OTs will see their patients with less frequency, so their weekly caseloads will involve many different patients. Cancellations tend to be higher in outpatient settings than in inpatient settings, since patients do not live on-site. Health professionals such as physical therapists, physiatrists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and speech language pathologists commonly work in clinics with OTs.

What is intervention in a hospital setting?

However, patients tend to need more care and stay for longer periods of time than in other inpatient settings, allowing the therapist and patient more opportunity to work on strengthening, range of motion, problem-solving, and skills related to completing ADLs and IADLs.

What is an inpatient setting?

Inpatient settings involve fewer evaluations and allow the therapist more intervention time with the patient. The patient’s stay is usually longer. Interventions should include ADLs, but may also emphasize basic skills related to independent living, like problem-solving or cooking.

What is hand therapy?

Hand therapy is regularly seen in outpatient clinics. A hand therapist may see patients due to a disorder like arthritis, after surgery or an injury , or to address other dysfunctions of the upper extremity. Forming custom splints, testing grip strength, developing and demonstrating home exercise programs, and recommending specific assistive technology devices are all ordinary parts of a hand therapist’s job.

Where do OTs work?

OTs may work in clinical practice settings, or pursue opportunities in areas like education, writing, research, and consulting. However, this article will mainly describe the trends in the more prevalent, traditional clinical practice settings where most OT students will do fieldwork placements, and where most new OTs will find their first jobs.

Why is OT important in therapy?

Clinically, this OT model helps therapists develop personalized goals and activities. This is an ideal tool because it goes beyond simply assessing how someone performs functionally and extends to their engagement as well. Engagement allows the therapist to access areas that personally motivate patients, so they are empowered to choose their own meaningful occupations and get better at them over time. This can transform the way therapists view client-centered care!

What is MOHO therapy?

The intention of MOHO is to be a living reflection of the dynamics at play in someone’s life. As such, this is a great way for therapists to keep up with the constant shifts in perception and needs of their patients.

What is sensory avoiding?

Sensory avoiding: Those who can’t tolerate much sensory input and actively avoid it to keep themselves safely below their threshold. Sensory sensitivity: Those who can’t tolerate much sensory input but may more passively react to this dislike by screaming, crying, or tantruming.

Which is better, practice based or conceptual model?

Conceptual models are the more common type, since they are abstract and better learned as part of OT classes. Practice-based models can more readily be implemented but they are not taught as often, or in as much depth, during your academic career.

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