Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists near you
How can occupational therapy nourish you?
Occupational therapy is an allied health discipline focused on helping people with issues that affect their daily function and quality of life. The word ‘occupation’ in occupational therapy refers to the tasks with which a person occupies themselves[1]. Occupational therapists can assist a person in areas such as health, education, work, or social development[2] – any area that contributes to them living a meaningful life.
People may find it hard to perform daily activities for a variety of reasons. Occupational therapists provide personalised support in the context of your circumstances, whether it be rehabilitation[3] after an injury or illness, sleep issues [4], recovering from cancer[5], dealing with mental health issues[6] or living with limitations that may be brought about by Parkinson’s disease[7] or multiple sclerosis[8].
The loss of seemingly basic abilities is not only stressful but may cause further distress on top of already difficult health conditions. Occupational therapists employ practical solutions such as making changes to one’s home environment[9] or using new equipment to help a person maintain, regain or improve their independence[10]. While other health disciplines may focus on a specific area of the body or condition, a key element of occupational therapy is understanding the interactions between the person, community and their environment[11].
Occupational therapy has a holistic approach, and therapists often work with other health professionals such as GPs, physiotherapists, or a care team to provide coordinated care. They also work in a range of settings such as hospitals, aged care facilities, or specialist clinics. In Australia, occupational therapists are regulated by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)[12].
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Practitioners offering Occupational Therapy
Benefits of occupational therapy
Occupational therapists undertake studies to gain a knowledge base in areas such as neurology, anatomy, psychology and activity-task-environment analysis[13]. The breadth of their training combined with the individualised nature of occupational therapy makes it beneficial for people of all ages, experiencing a wide range of situations.
For instance, cancer is a disease that exerts tremendous physical and emotional strain[14] on individuals, and many cancer survivors report a decrease in their quality of life and difficulty performing basic activities. The tailored, supportive approach of occupational therapy is highly relevant for people with cancer[15] and able to assist with cancer-related fatigue, improve daily routines such as bathing or organisation and reduce risks of falls.
There is also evidence to suggest that occupational therapy can promote the well-being of older people who are living by themselves[16], with particular benefits for mental health and life satisfaction.
Occupational therapy may assist in relieving symptoms related to:
What to expect from an occupational therapy session?
An occupational therapy session may occur in an individual or group setting. However, you can expect an individualised assessment with the therapist[17] during which you share your goals and the things that can make your life more meaningful. Your occupational therapist may also visit you in your home, community or work setting to understand how you carry out your daily activities[18].
The therapist will then create a customised plan with specific and measurable steps to help you reach those goals. The focus of occupational therapy is to build your skills and capacity to be productive in your environment, so your input and participation[19] will be key to your plan and progress.
As with any exercise or wellness program, please consult your medical professional before commencing occupational therapy. Don’t hesitate to update your occupational therapist about your progress, and any changed circumstances. They will be happy to ensure your plans remain relevant and you are on track to reaching your goals.
References
1. About Occupational Therapy. Occupational Therapy; [cited on 2024 Nov 27].
2. Occupational Therapy. Allied Health Professions Australia; [cited on 2024 Nov 27].
3. Occupational Therapy and Rehabilitation. WFOT; [cited on 2024 Nov 27].
4. Reynolds S, Andelin L. Sleep and Screens: How Technology Can be Used to Improve Sleep in Children. American Occupational Therapy Association; 2021.
5. Baxter MF, Newman R, Longpré SM, Polo KM. Occupational Therapy’s role in Cancer Survivorship as a Chronic condition. American Journal of Occupational Therapy; 2017.
6. Armstrong M. Occupational Therapy Practice in Community Mental Health: Four Case Examples. American Occupational Therapy Association; 2020.
7. Radder DLM, Sturkenboom IH, Van Nimwegen M, Keus SH, Bloem BR, De Vries NM. Physical therapy and occupational therapy in Parkinson’s disease. International Journal of Neuroscience; 2016.
8. Salomè A, D’Elia TS, Franchini G, Santilli V, Paolucci T. Occupational Therapy in Fatigue Management in Multiple sclerosis: An umbrella review. Multiple Sclerosis International; 2019.
9. FAQs. WA Occupational Therapy; [cited on 2024 Nov 27].
10. Occupational therapy. Healthdirect; [cited on 2024 Nov 27].
11. Homepage. American Occupational Therapy Association; [cited on 2024 Nov 27].
12. Regulating Australia’s health practitioners. Amphora & National Boards; [cited on 2024 Nov 27].
13. Occupational Therapy Guide to Good Practice: Working with Children. ccupational Therapy Australia; [cited on 2024 Nov 27].
14. Cancer. WHO; [cited on 2024 Nov 27].
15. Pergolotti M, Williams GR, Campbell C, Munoz LA, Muss HB. Occupational therapy for Adults with Cancer: Why it matters. The Oncologist; 2016.
16. Clark F, Jackson J, Carlson M, Chou CP, Cherry BJ, Jordan-Marsh M, et al. Effectiveness of a lifestyle intervention in promoting the well-being of independently living older people: results of the Well Elderly 2 Randomised Controlled Trial. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health; 2011.
17. ABOUT AOTA. American Occupational Therapy Association; [cited on 2024 Nov 27].
18. Occupational Therapy. AlfredHealth; [cited on 2024 Nov 27].
19. Sears B. What to expect at physical therapy. Verywell Health; 2023.
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