We know it can be overwhelming to navigate the various types of healthcare services your loved one needs. Often, occupational therapy is a key treatment for many conditions, but what exactly does it entail? In this guide, we break down what occupational therapy is; the different types of occupational therapy; conditions that can be treated with it; and where to find more information, including accredited providers.
Occupational therapy (OT) is a holistic, client-centered health profession that helps individuals of all ages perform daily activities—or “occupations”—that are meaningful and necessary for their well-being. These activities can include self-care tasks like dressing and eating, work responsibilities, school tasks, social participation, and leisure activities. Occupational therapists (OTs) work with individuals who have physical, mental, or developmental conditions that limit their ability to perform these tasks independently.
The goal of OT is to enhance a person’s ability to participate in daily activities by improving their functional skills or adapting the environment to meet their needs. This may involve rehabilitation after an injury, therapy for children with developmental disorders, or providing support for older adults with physical or cognitive impairments. OTs are trained to assess each individual’s unique challenges and devise personalized treatment plans to improve their quality of life.
Occupational therapy is a versatile field that serves a variety of patient populations, each with distinct needs. The following are some of the primary types of OT:
Pediatric OT helps children achieve developmental milestones and improve their ability to engage in daily activities like school work, play, and personal hygiene. Children with conditions like autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sensory processing disorder, developmental delays, and physical disabilities often benefit from pediatric OT. OTs in this field use activities like play, sensory integration therapy, and task-based exercises to improve a child's motor skills, social interaction, and cognitive abilities.
As people age, they may face challenges with mobility, cognition, or the ability to perform daily tasks. Geriatric OT focuses on helping older adults maintain or regain their independence in daily activities like dressing, cooking, and bathing. It also helps individuals manage chronic conditions such as arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, or Alzheimer’s disease. This type of OT often involves recommending adaptive equipment like walkers or reachers and making environmental modifications to support aging in place.
OT also plays a crucial role in mental health treatment. Individuals with conditions like depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often struggle with daily tasks and social participation. Occupational therapists working in mental health settings help patients develop coping strategies, establish routines, and engage in activities that promote emotional well-being and social skills. This form of therapy can be particularly beneficial in community mental health settings, inpatient psychiatric units, and outpatient clinics.
Hand therapy is a specialized branch of OT that focuses on the rehabilitation of the upper extremities, including the hands, wrists, and arms. Individuals recovering from injuries, surgeries, or medical conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, or fractures may benefit from hand therapy. Occupational therapists trained in this area provide exercises, splinting, and adaptive techniques to improve hand function and promote recovery.
This type of OT focuses on individuals who have suffered neurological injuries or have neurological conditions. Patients with traumatic brain injuries, strokes, multiple sclerosis (MS), or spinal cord injuries can benefit from neurological OT. The therapy aims to improve mobility, balance, cognitive function, and the ability to perform daily tasks. Therapists often use assistive technology, exercises, and strategies to help patients regain their functional independence.
Sensory integration therapy is designed to help individuals who have difficulty processing sensory information, which is common in children with autism or sensory processing disorder. In this type of OT, therapists use controlled sensory experiences to help patients better respond to stimuli like touch, sound, and movement. Over time, sensory integration can improve attention, emotional regulation, and coordination.
Occupational therapy is beneficial for a wide range of conditions and patient populations. These include, but are not limited to:
For those interested in learning more about occupational therapy or seeking services, several reputable national organizations provide valuable resources:
The AOTA is the national professional organization for occupational therapists in the U.S. They provide information on OT practices, research, and guidelines. Their website is a valuable resource for patients seeking to understand OT services or find qualified therapists.
ASHT is a national organization specifically focused on hand therapy. They offer resources for both patients and professionals.
NBCOT is responsible for certifying occupational therapists in the U.S. They maintain a directory of certified professionals and provide resources on OT competencies.