what is occupational therapy?

Answer 1

Occupational therapy is a health profession that focuses on teaching people the skills they need to be independent in their daily activities. The term "occupation" means "activity." The profession originally started out in the mental health field and its intent was to help patients engage in meaningful & productive activites so they would feel better about themselves. Snce that time, it has expanded into a profession that serves the physical, mental, emotional, and social needs of people will all different types of illnesses, injuries and disabitlies in a wide variety of settings. Occupational therapist work in hospitals, schools, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, home health, and so much more. An occuaptional therapist may help teach a person how to get dressed after they have experienced a stroke or an occupational therapist may help a child learn how to function in school. I could really go on and on, but I would never be able to tell you all of the things that an occupational therapist can do.

Here are some websites that would explain it even better than me!

http://www.aota.org/featured/area6/index.asp
http://www.geocities.com/cacotr/whatisot.html
http://www.promoteot.org/CG_ConsumersGuide.html
http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=what+is+occupational+therapy&fr=yfp-t-501&toggle=1&cop=mss&ei=UTF-8

Answer 2

Massage therapy just leads to being a massage therapist. Most massage therapists set up their own business or find a job in a spa, clinic, hospital or some other place. Physical therapists sometimes use massage therapy. I am not as sure about occupational therapists. Massage is usually really a second career for most as you can only really do about 20 massages a week because of the physical demands on your body. The average age for massage therapists is 45 so massage schools are geared toward teaching adults.

Answer 3

It is a therapy that helps people who have undergone an illness to get back into doing normal things.

So, for someone with mental health problems, an occupational therapist would see you regularly and perhaps take you out to the shops if that's an issue for you, or take you for a coffee and generally try to get your confidence back to a level where you can live more comfortably amongst other people.

Hope that helps. I have had an occupational therapist.

Answer 4

Hello...... My only experience with the term occupational therapy was when my daughter was in the hospital with her bipolar disorder. They provided activities such as ceramics and other art projects. The purpose I believe was to occupy their minds. It gave the patients a nice break.

Answer 5

An occupational therpist is a therapist that helps you work on getting a job, if that is what you want, or at least look into the idea of having a job.

Answer 6

occupational therapy - is to help you with everyday task (brushing teeth, holding a pencils) SKILLS FOR LIVING.

my son has OT because he is autistic, my grandfather because he had a stroke- Everyone is different.!!

Answer 7

occupational therapy is when your with a group of ppl and do stuff such as arts and crafts to keep your mind occupied and not think about your problem or negative thoughts...ive done it and its fun and effective

Answer 8

It helps you after you have had a stroke or broken limbs to get you back to doing every day things to make you independant again .things like making your self a meal or a cup of tea .Washing youself and lots of othe things

Answer 9

Its where someone comes in, and assess you what you need in your home. in my mothers case
we had to get a hoist and a better wheel chair and a walk in shower and they sorted all that

Answer 10

stay occupied and youll be happy