What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy (OT) is a healthcare profession focused on helping individuals of all ages to participate in meaningful activities or occupations that are important to them. Occupational therapists work with individuals who face physical, cognitive, developmental, or emotional challenges that impact their ability to engage in daily activities.

The goal of occupational therapy is to enable individuals to achieve maximum independence and improve their overall well-being. Occupational therapists evaluate a person's abilities, challenges, and environmental factors to develop personalized intervention plans. These plans may include therapeutic activities, exercises, adaptive strategies, and modifications to the environment or tasks to enhance performance.

Occupational therapy interventions address a wide range of areas, such as self-care skills, productivity tasks, and leisure activities. This may involve improving fine motor skills, sensory integration, cognitive abilities, social interaction skills, or addressing challenges related to mental health conditions. Occupational therapists also provide education and guidance to individuals, families, and caregivers, helping them incorporate strategies and techniques into daily routines.