What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy is a health care profession that uses purposeful activity or "occupation" as a means of preventing, reducing or overcoming physical, social, and emotional disabilities in people of all ages. The profession is based on the belief that meaningful activity may be used to prevent physical and psychosocial dysfunction and to aid the person in returning to a normal level of function. The practice of occupational therapy involves evaluation, treatment, and consultation. Specific services provided include: teaching daily living skills; developing visual-perceptual skills; enhancing developmental skills in children; designing, fabricating, or applying selected orthotic and prosthetic devices or adaptive equipment; using activities and exercises to enhance functional performance; administering and interpreting tests such as range of motion and muscle strength; and adapting living and working environments for individuals with injuries or disabilities. These services may be provided individually, in groups, or through social systems.