Conditions That Require Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a common health care treatment for people of all ages involving assessment and intervention to develop or recover a person’s ability to engage in everyday activities. One may acquire disability from an illness or injury. However, Centreville occupational therapy may help develop or restore motor skills and enhance coordination to improve your ability to take part in usual activities.
Different groups of people who may benefit from Occupational Therapy
People of all age groups may benefit from occupational therapy. For example:
Adults
Adults with depression and anxiety may learn to manage symptoms, develop coping mechanisms, and initiate healthier habits with the help of an occupational therapist. Knowing how to deal with your mental disorder is helpful to help you rebuild lost social connections and improve your relationship with friends or family members.
Children
Children with autism experience difficulties when it comes to adapting to a new routine, such as getting ready in the morning. Occupational therapy improves fine and gross motor skills in children with autism. It also develops communication, self-regulation, and sensory processing skills.
Teenagers
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may cause a teenager to have trouble making friends, completing tasks, and paying attention in class. Occupational therapy may help improve impulse control, memory, attention, time management, planning, and social skills.
Elderly
Occupational therapy may also help an older adult who has suffered a stroke which causes partial paralysis. This form of healthcare helps a patient improve range of motion, strength, and endurance. One may also learn how to use adaptive equipment to shower, cook, clean, or dress up.
You can find an occupational therapist in different settings, including schools, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, children’s clinics, mental health facilities, and private practices.
Conditions treated using occupational therapy.
Multiple Sclerosis
This chronic autoimmune disease attacks your protective nerve coatings and results in the breakdown of myelin. In consequence, you may develop interrupted communication between your brain and body. If this condition goes on without treatment, you may have irreversible nerve damage. This condition is characterized by different signs and symptoms depending on the severity of nerve damage. Occupational therapy helps patients with multiple sclerosis live a stronger, healthier, and more fulfilling life.
Arthritis
Arthritis causes tenderness and inflammation in one or more joints in your body. Older people are at a higher risk of developing this condition compared to younger individuals. Osteoarthritis causes degeneration or breakdown of bone cartilage. As a result, you may experience stiffness; pain decreased range of motion. An occupational therapist may help you manage the pain by recommending splints to support your joints while working.
Chronic back pain
A lot of time, people develop back pain as a result of aging. However, chronic back pain may develop from a previous injury. Your therapist may recommend home exercises to improve core strength. Your occupational therapist may also give you some practice tips for sitting to encourage good posture and minimize pain.
Living with medical conditions such as arthritis should not limit your normal functioning. Reserve a session with your specialist at Town Center Orthopaedic Associates and begin therapy sessions to improve your productivity.