Have you ever wondered how people suffering from stroke and other conditions that lead to disability get back to performing their daily tasks comfortably? Occupational therapy in Bedford, TX, makes this recovery and rehabilitation possible. Occupational therapy is a healthcare practice that aims to restore a person’s independence and functional ability after injuries from accidents, illnesses like stroke, and other medical conditions. With occupational therapy, people who have suffered from medical conditions leading to disability can recover faster and get back to their daily lives quickly.
Occupational therapists are healthcare professionals skilled in using various techniques to improve and rehabilitate the motor skills and overall functional ability of people suffering from injury or disability. To become a licensed occupational therapist, one must acquire an occupational therapy master’s degree from an accredited institution. Occupational therapists work in various settings, including hospitals, schools, private institutions, etc. They evaluate a patient’s condition and need to develop a comprehensive treatment plan. In this article, we will examine the functions of occupational therapists and the overall benefits of undergoing occupational therapy at Barkman and Smith Physical Therapy.
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Who Needs An Occupational Therapist?
People of all ages and genders can benefit from occupational therapy. The following are people who may need the services of an occupational therapist:
- People with physical disabilities: Chronic conditions, injuries, and accidents may lead to disabilities that may hinder people from carrying out their daily activities comfortably. If such people intend to regain their motor skills and functional abilities, they need the services of an occupational therapist. Occupational therapy can restore the strength, coordination, and range of motion of people with physical disabilities. This rehabilitation ensures that people with disabilities can perform their daily tasks comfortably and independently.
- Children with developmental delays: Sensory processing disorders, learning problems, and birth defects/injuries can affect a child’s motor skills and physical functioning. Such child might struggle to carry out activities, such as getting ready in the morning or socializing, that their mates find easy. Children with developmental conditions can benefit from the services of an occupational therapist. Occupational therapy improves the child’s fine and gross motor skills, sensory processing, self-regulation, communication, and social skills.
- Older adults with age-related conditions: Our health deteriorates as we grow older. This deterioration makes it harder to engage in activities that we once found easy and fulfilling. Older adults may need the services of an occupational therapist in Fort Worth to maintain their independence and improve their ability to engage in their daily activities. Occupational therapy can address age-related conditions such as decreased physical strength, endurance, range of motion, vision, and memory. After occupational therapy, adults battling age-related conditions can carry out their daily activities without difficulty.
- People with mental health conditions: Apart from physical health, occupational therapy also improves mental health. People suffering from mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and addiction may also experience difficulties in carrying out their daily activities because a person’s mental state can affect their physical capabilities. Occupational therapy can help people battling mental health conditions manage their symptoms and develop the needed coping skills to carry out their daily activities comfortably.
Conditions that occupational therapists treat and manage include:
- Neurological conditions. Examples of neurological conditions that may hinder a person from carrying out their daily activities include Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, cerebral palsy, dementia, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, dementia, etc.
- Musculoskeletal and Orthopedic conditions. Examples include arthritis, bone fractures, hand injuries, amputation, dislocations, etc.
- Neurodevelopmental conditions. Examples include autism, spectrum disorder, down syndrome, dyslexia, dyspraxia, intellectual disability, and other learning disorders.
- Sensory conditions. Examples include visual impairment, hearing loss, sensory processing disorder, etc.
- Psychological conditions. Examples include obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, anxiety, addiction, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, etc.
- Chronic diseases. Examples include cancer, diabetes, heart disease, etc.
- Pain. Examples include migraines, fibromyalgia, back pain, headache, chronic fatigue syndrome, and other chronic conditions.
What Do Occupational Therapists Do?
When you visit us for physical therapy in Bedford, our occupational therapists will comprehensively evaluate your health condition. First, they’ll ask several questions relating to your primary complaint. They’ll also ask about relevant medical history, your needs, skills, limitations, and other pertinent issues. The evaluation often ends in a physical examination of any affected body parts.
Next, your therapist will discuss their findings and recommend investigations, e.g., blood work, medical imaging, etc, as they see fit. Sometimes, they may refer you to other medical professionals for further evaluation. The next step is a treatment plan. Occupational therapists formulate a comprehensive treatment plan based on their assessment results. These treatment plans address the patient’s specific needs and ensure they realize their goal of independence each day.
There may be several options for therapy, and our professionals often present all options to clients so they can make an informed decision.
Some components of an occupational therapist’s treatment plan may include:
- Therapeutic exercises that improve strength, coordination, and range of motion.
- Adaptive and assistive equipment/device training to increase independence
- Sensory integration activities to regulate sensory responses
- Casting and splinting to support healing and avoid complications
- Mental health rehabilitation
- Modification and adjustment of home and workplace environment
Education and Training
In addition to treatment, occupational therapists also provide education and training to patients and their families. They enlighten patients and their families about their conditions and teach them self-management techniques.
Benefits of Occupational Therapy
The following are the benefits of seeking the services of an occupational therapist:
- It improves the strength, coordination, endurance, and range of motion of people recovering from illness, injury, and disability.
- Occupational therapy manages and relieves pain experienced during daily activities.
- It promotes healing and ensures quick recovery.
- Occupational therapy promotes independence in individuals who have suffered a disability.
- It improves the overall health and quality of life of patients.
Conclusion
Injuries, illnesses, chronic conditions, and disability can be destabilizing, especially when they prevent you from engaging in your daily activities with ease. However, the effects of these conditions do not need to last forever. Occupational therapy manages these conditions and ensures that you regain your independence again. If you want to enjoy your daily activities as you once used to after disability or chronic illnesses, you should consider occupational therapy at Barkman and Smith Physical Therapy.