Is Occupational Therapy Holistic?

Occupational therapy aims to help people of all ages who have a medical condition that causes physical, cognitive, or sensory problems. These may include physical difficulties, mental health problems, or learning disabilities present from birth or developed later in life. Occupational therapy takes a holistic approach and can help individuals live more independently.

Let’s talk about occupational therapy and where you can find the best occupational therapist in Wooster, Ohio.

Role of an Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapists focus on maximizing a person’s independence and participation in day-to-day activities, such as self-care, homemaking, job functions, school, leisure, and social activities. They assist patients in various ways, which can include:

• Modifying or adapting tasks or leisure activities
• Improving and developing skills, such as fine motor functions, reasoning abilities, visual perception skills, cognitive skills, strength, balance, social, listening or working skills, to perform specific activities (dressing, cooking, work or school-related activities)
• Choosing/using assistive devices and equipment, such as wheelchairs, mobility aids, and homemaking equipment, to accommodate the individual’s needs.
• Helping patients learn new skills, such as cooking, using a computer, or using public transport
• Adapting to home, school, or work environments to accommodate the needs and reduce restrictions
• Improving self-esteem, confidence, and ability to overcome the difficulties of accessing mainstream activities
• Help manage fatigue or other debilitating symptoms
• Improving the levels of self-care
• Developing working skills to help find employment
• Improving physical safety and ability to assess hazards inside and outside the home environment
• Setting realistic and achievable personal goals

Some patients may only need occupational therapy for a short period, while others may require it for a prolonged period. Occupational therapy may be used as a part of the rehabilitation program, such as following surgery, an injury, or illness. It can be used to develop skills, regain independence, build confidence, and improve self-esteem.

Who May Benefit from Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy can benefit individuals who:

• Have a physical disability
• Have a learning disability
• Have a sensory processing disorder
• Have a developmental delay
• Have a behavioral or mental health condition
• Are getting older
• Are recovering from an injury, illness, or surgery
• Have an orthopedic injury
• Have a chronic illness

Types of Occupational Therapists

Depending on a patient’s needs, there are different types of occupational therapies available, focusing on a specific area of need, such as:

• Neurology – focusing on areas, such as fine motor skills, functional improvement in activities of daily living, and upper extremity strengthening.
• Pediatrics – to improve fine motor development and sensory integration in infants and children with specific health needs. Therapy is often provided in a play-based setting and tailored to a child’s specific needs.
• Certified hand therapy – specializing in treating hand and upper extremity conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome or trauma. It can help with pain management, nerve desensitization, sensory reeducation, conditioning, splint fabrication, and improving dexterity for daily living skills.
• Cancer treatment – can help to control and manage swelling in the extremities, such as through exercises, massotherapy, wrapping/compression, and appropriate skin care.
• Orthopedic conditions – rehabilitation, treatment, and management for conditions such as arthritis, amputations, crush injuries, strains, cumulative trauma disorder, tumors, dislocations, fractures, and infections.

Occupational Therapy in Wooster, Ohio

If you have a health condition that may benefit from occupational therapy, contact the experienced and compassionate staff at Wooster Community Hospital’s HealthPoint facility. Our board-certified occupational therapists provide one-on-one care and attention to those who have experienced a change in their ability to perform activities due to neurological, orthopedic, or other disease-related issues.

We will identify your goals following a thorough initial evaluation and work with you to develop an intensive, individualized treatment program to meet these goals and gain greater independence and quality of life.

We also offer other outpatient rehabilitation services to provide you with the expert care you deserve. To find out more or arrange your personalized evaluation, contact us at (330) 202-3300.