How Can Occupational Therapy Help You?

Occupational therapy began early last century as a means of rehabilitating people in the hospital using methods from physical therapy, psychiatry, nursing, social work, orthopedics, and other disciplines. It was founded on the principle that medical issues alone do not cause dysfunction, but rather a combination of medical, social, biological, and economic reasons all played a roll.

OT has roots stemming from the Arts and Crafts Movement from the late 1800s through the early 1900s. Many decades ago, occupational therapy students actually attended classes in basket weaving!  The thought was that by using our hands to create, we could rehabilitate from whatever ailment was being suffered. Occupational therapy has since evolved over the last century. While it still incorporates all of the founding principles, it has become less driven by arts and crafts and more so by scientific, evidence-based techniques.

So how can occupational therapy help you today? OT can help you if you can’t take care of yourself and do things like get washed, dressed, brush your teeth, feed yourself, or comb your hair. It can help you if you’re unable to do what you need to around your home such as prepare a meal, do your laundry, and clean the house. OT assists you with using your hands to open jars, turn keys, write, and hold items without dropping them.

Occupational therapy can also seem similar to physical therapy in that it addresses balance, walking, range of motion, strength, and endurance. OT also works on how you do getting in and out of bed, the shower or tub, your favorite chair, and even the toilet.

Despite the name, occupational therapy does not help you find a job. Nor does OT stand for the “other therapy.” OT is a profession with a long history of helping many people with varying illnesses and injuries to recover and return to their independent lives.

At Reddy Care Physical and Occupational Therapy, we can get you set up with the right therapist for you. Call today to schedule a consultation!
Reddy Care Great Neck (Great Neck Physical Therapy): 516-829-0030
Reddy Care Farmingdale (Farmingdale Physical Therapy): 516-420-2900
In-Home Physical & Occupational Therapy (Home Care): 516-829-0030

Author

Michele Hughes, OTR/L My name is Michele Hughes and I’m the new OT clinical director at Reddy Care. While I may be new to Reddy Care, I am not new to the field of Occupational Therapy. I have been an OT for 23 years, having graduated from Quinnipiac College (now University) in 1996 with a degree in OT. I have worked in many settings, including acute care hospitals, acute and sub-acute rehab, schools, pediatric sensory clinics, as well as over 15 years in home care (both Med A and B). Homecare is my preferred treatment setting due to the ability to treat patients individually, in their own environment. I love to see the impact that I can have on improving the quality of life of our patients.