Occupational therapy: what patients need to know
You might have heard an older relative mention it, or maybe a friend talked about it when they were discussing their recovery from carpal tunnel surgery. But what exactly is occupational therapy? We asked Praveen Philip, certified hand therapist with Baylor Medicine Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, about this therapy and how it can help patients.
Question: What is occupational therapy?
Answer: Occupational therapy helps patients regain their independence in their daily activities, especially after recovering from any physical or neurological impairments.
Q: How does it differ from physical therapy?
A: Physical therapy primarily works with patients to maximize their physical function, mobility and strength. In outpatient settings, physical therapists focus more on the lower extremities, neck, spine, shoulder and back
Occupational therapists work with patients to regain their independence in their daily activities. In outpatient settings, OTs work with patients with any injuries to their upper extremity including shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand.
Q: What types of activities are involved in occupational therapy?
A: Occupational therapy activities include activities of daily living such as dressing and grooming tasks. In outpatient settings, activities include fine motor coordination tasks, activities to improve range of motion, desensitization activities and strengthening exercises for upper extremity to maximize performance with daily activities
Q: Which type of cases can occupational therapy help?
A: OTs can help patients recovering from any musculoskeletal injuries to their upper extremities like fractures to shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand, nerve injuries to upper extremities, such as carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel syndrome, etc. OTs can also help patients who are recovering from any neurological conditions such as stroke, spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries.
Q: What are some common types of treatment methods?
A: Treatment methods include modalities such as heat and ultrasound, as well as exercises and activities to improve the range of motion and strength of the upper extremities. Treatments also include manual therapy techniques to improve joint flexibility.
Q: What are realistic outcomes to expect from occupational therapy?
A: To return to their daily activities, return to work, play sports and engage in leisure activities.
Q: How can occupational therapy improve daily life for different age groups? How long does it take to see improvements?
A: Occupational therapy can improve patients’ participation and performance in daily activities by utilizing client-centered interventions. Improvements vary based on the complexity of medical conditions and other comorbidities.
Q: What factors can influence the effectiveness of occupational therapy?
A: Patients’ motivation level in participating and attending therapy sessions, understanding the injury and having realistic expectations. Also, completing the home program can influence the effectiveness of OT.
Q: How do occupational therapy and physical therapy fit together in a comprehensive rehab plan?
A: Occupational therapists and physical therapists can work together, especially for patients who are recovering from complicated injuries to their upper and lower extremities and also for patients recovering from neurological conditions, such as stroke and spinal cord injuries. PTs can work on lower extremity and mobility, and OT focuses on upper extremity and activities of daily living.
Q: How can patients prepare for their first occupational therapy session?
A: Patients will be asked about the history of their condition and sometimes fill out a form to mark their performance with daily activities. A detailed history helps the therapist during the assessment session, so I advise patients to prepare to give us the details of what is going on with them.
By Anna Kiappes
