Understanding Occupational Physical Therapy

The practice of occupational physical therapy, sometimes referred to as simply occupational therapy, is designed to teach individuals with physical and mental disabilities and impairments how to function in normal society. While occupational therapists work towards helping their patients find fulfillment in the world through activities, physical therapists work towards helping their patients regain mobility and function of an injured or diseased area of the body. Working together, these therapists can help a patient reach a balanced rehabilitation. Rehabilitation often requires a variety of therapies before the patient can consider themselves fully recovered.

Occupational therapists focus on the areas in life that are difficult for the patient and teach them how to adapt. While the term occupational makes one think of a job, an occupation can be any daily activity from household tasks like cooking and cleaning to outside tasks like shopping or doing volunteer work. However occupational therapy, or OT for short, can certainly help an impaired individual with difficult tasks in their current job or help them obtain gainful employment. Basically OT professionals help mentally and/or physically impaired persons achieve well-being and balance in their everyday lives.

When working together with both an OT and a PT, a patient can often achieve a fuller rehabilitation than they would otherwise. Mobility, movement and the ability to function physically without pain is important in daily life. Therefore physical therapy can certainly enhance occupational therapy in many ways. Depending on the impairment there may be other types of therapy implemented as well, such as speech therapy. Pain management therapy is yet another type of therapy for those who suffer from chronic pain due to injury or disability.

Your doctor can tell you more about occupational physical therapy. Depending on your insurance policy, you may need a written referral from your primary care provider before occupational and/or physical therapy will be covered. Some plans cover these types of therapies, others require referrals. Referrals can usually be faxed from physician to therapist which makes the scheduling process faster. Your insurance provider can help you sort this issue out as well. Finding the right therapist is something that should be done with the help of your physician as they should be kept informed regarding your therapy progress.

 

 

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