What is Occupational Therapy?

When illness or injury strikes, goal number one is usually medical stability. Once this has occurred, the focus quickly shifts and you might be thinking things like:

  • I can’t take a shower or brush my teeth by myself.
  • I have to get back to work and support my family.
  • Who is going to clean the house?

Returning to activities you need and want to do is an important part of recovering and gaining independence. Occupational therapists (OTs) help in this process, focusing on activities of daily living, such as grooming, eating and homemaking. They also help with training and mastering the techniques of adaptive equipment needed for these skills.

OTs often specialize in specific areas. Hand therapists, for example, have advanced training in the intricate anatomy of the human hand to help people maximize function after injury or surgery. Other OTs specialize in low vision therapy, which focuses on optimizing the home environment and household/work tasks to make the best use of vision that is limited as a result of a stroke, diabetes, glaucoma, or other conditions. Still other OTs concentrate their practice in certain settings, such as acute care hospitals, inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation settings, schools, or others.

Sheltering Arms thanks all of our hard-working occupational therapists for the difference they make for patients every day. Happy Occupational Therapy Month!

Share This Post:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
RehaBlog

More Posts

Reframing Your Outlook on Aging

May is Older Americans Month—a time dedicated to encouraging older adults to take an active role in their well-being through prevention, wellness, and self-management. Yet despite these empowering goals, aging is still often framed negatively in our society. By shifting how we think about getting older, and about ability more broadly, we can create a more positive, inclusive experience for everyone.

Simple Tips to Stay Active

Staying active doesn’t have to mean long workouts or a packed gym schedule. For most people, it’s really about finding simple ways to move more throughout the day. Those small choices—done consistently—can add up to real benefits for your energy, mood, and overall health.

Understanding the Different Types of Stroke

Stroke? CVA? TIA? With so many acronyms and names, it can be overwhelming to understand how and why a stroke might happen. A stroke, or a cerebral vascular accident (CVA), is a medical emergency in which the blood supply to the brain is limited or interrupted. This causes a lack of nutrients and oxygen that may result in brain damage and cell death.

5 Strengthening Exercises Following Lower-Limb Amputations

During inpatient rehabilitation, your therapy team will guide you through a personalized strengthening program designed to support your recovery. This program focuses on building the key muscle groups needed for safe and effective mobility with a prosthesis. Continuing these exercises at home is essential for maintaining progress and maximizing independence.

Managing Phantom Limb Pain

Losing a limb is a life-changing experience—physically, emotionally, and mentally. One of the more unexpected and often misunderstood aspects of limb loss is phantom limb pain (PLP). Despite the limb no longer being there, individuals may continue to feel sensations—sometimes painful—where the limb used to be. But why does this happen, and what can be done about it? Let’s break it down.

Start your Journey

Learn more about Sheltering Arms Institute

Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.