Did you know that April is Occupational Therapy Month in the United States? This year’s theme is “Occupational Therapy: Empowering Everyday Living.” Occupational therapy is a profession that helps people with injury, illness, or disability perform practical tasks to their utmost ability. If you have a condition affecting your ability to carry out daily functions, occupational therapy can assist you.
Let’s look at how occupational therapy empowers daily living as we celebrate the profession this month. Read on to also get advice about occupational therapy.
How Does Occupational Therapy Empower Everyday Living?
Occupational therapy or occupational medicine is a field that promotes goal-driven activities and purposeful use of time in daily living. Its aim is for patients to adapt to work, home, and other situations while managing any medical conditions they might have. The primary goal is to enable people to participate in daily life.
Occupational therapists work with people of all ages with various conditions. An occupational therapist is a health practitioner licensed in assisting you to:
- Take part in daily activities you need to do or make living worthwhile
- Maintain or regain your independence
- Function at the highest possible level
- Concentrate on matters most important to you
- Achieve your goals
Occupational therapists are experts in aiding people to perform what they need at work and what they want to do every day.
What Advice Should You Know About Occupational Therapy?
If you are undergoing occupational therapy or interested in availing it, here is some advice:
1. Determine Your Goals and Interests
An occupational therapist creates a personalized and comprehensive treatment plan for you, so it is vital to set specific goals that you want to achieve. It is not only about things you have to do – it also includes fulfilling hobbies you want to do.
2. Consider Using Assistive Devices
Learning to use assistive devices requires diligence. With an occupational therapist by your side, you can learn to use them correctly, so they are most beneficial. Occupational therapists prescribe and show the proper use of assistive devices such as canes, wheelchairs, and raised seats.
3. Be Open to Different Treatment Methods
An occupational therapist utilizes many approaches to help you recover faster from an injury or condition limiting your functions. They may perform a massage, apply cold/heat therapy, or use ultrasound as they may deem necessary. Being open-minded about these approaches can lead to finding the right treatment plan for you.
4. Share Your Concerns
Occupational therapy addresses your functionality in different settings. An occupational therapist assesses your current health status, capabilities, and limitations. It is important to tell them about your home and work environment.
They can provide advice on ergonomics you can apply based on the given situation. Ergonomics is the science of designing and arranging things to maximize their utility and ensure the safety of the people using them, so they can help redesign your workspace or home environment to suit your needs better.
5. You Can Seek an Occupational Therapist for Prevention
There is a misconception that occupational therapy is only for the rehabilitation of injuries. However, an occupational therapist can teach injury prevention methods and safety in the workplace. Just because something is working fine doesn’t mean it couldn’t be better. They can recommend exercises for endurance, strengthening, and flexibility to help you avoid future injuries.
6. Remember, Occupational Therapy Is a Collaboration
An occupational therapist collaborates with your doctor, physical therapist, and other medical professionals to ensure your full recovery. Teamwork is a must, so you can achieve your goals. It might be overwhelming to be working with many professionals, but this helps the chances of improvement. Remember that you are a member of the team, as well.
7. Success Is A Process
Occupational therapy, like other treatments, takes time and patience. An occupational therapist may include ongoing home and workplace assessments in your treatment plan. These ensure that your skills continue to improve as efficiently and effectively as possible. They will adjust your program as needed, giving you time to heal and gradually return to your normal activities.
Your injury, illness, disability, age, or condition should not hinder you from living your life to the fullest. You can learn to adapt to your situation with the help of occupational therapy. If you are interested in occupational therapy and want to know if it is right for you, talk to your doctor.
Occupational Health Services in Grand Junction, Colorado
Occupational therapy empowers people to participate in daily life despite having an injury, illness, disability, or other limiting condition. Our occupational health specialists at WorkPartners Occupational Health are experienced and trained in providing a wide range of services for employees in different industries.
If you are experiencing any condition that limits your daily functioning, call us at (970) 241-5585 or fill out our convenient online form to schedule an appointment today. You can also visit our location at 2646 Patterson Road, Suite A, Grand Junction, CO 81506. There is free and convenient parking available.
We look forward to providing the care you need!
