“Occupational therapy practitioners facilitate participation in everyday living.” (AOTA.org)
Occupational therapy (OT) is the only profession that helps people throughout their lifespan with the ability to perform the activities they want and need to do. Occupational Therapy practitioners (OTs) enable people of all ages to live life to their fullest. They encourage individuals to be active participants in daily routine tasks, promoting health, injury prevention, and adapting to their environment.
Occupational therapy services typically include a customized intervention to improve the person’s ability to perform activities of daily living daily activities (care for self or others, household chores, food preparation, etc).
How is this done?
Task analysis is a “top-down” assessment that breaks down a task (often an activity the patient has identified as meaningful and unable to successfully complete) into various components for evaluation.
These 5 components are:
- Physical
- Perceptual
- Cognitive
- Psychological
- Social & Cultural factors
After each component is assessed and the patient’s weaknesses and strengths have been identified, the OT will establish goals and create a plan for treatment.
Case Example
An OT completes an initial examination with a 75-year-old woman who has a diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the thumb (CMC joint). During the evaluation, the woman tells the OT that she cannot make her family’s favorite meal of lasagna with garlic bread. The OT immediately begins asking questions to better analyze the activity, identify potential barriers to the task, and discover what is important to complete the task. The client is using her kitchen utensils from her wedding over 50 years ago. The utensils are old, resulting in them being worn out and difficult to use and hold. By simply changing the utensils out with a more ergonomic option and incorporating a thumb support/brace, the activity is much easier to complete, and the client can get back to this important task.
Occupational therapists have an all-inclusive perspective focusing on adapting the environment and/or task to fit the patient. The patient is an integral part of the therapy team. Every patient demonstrates unique goals and personalities.
OrthoTexas has Occupational therapy veterans at our Carrollton and Plano locations. If you are interested in our Occupational therapy services or would like to schedule an appointment, give us a call! Learn more about our therapy services here.
Carrollton Physical & Occupational Therapy
4780 North Josey Lane Carrollton, Texas 75010
Phone: 972.395.2293
Fax: 972.395.2294
Plano Physical & Occupational Therapy
4031 W. Plano Parkway, Suite 200, Plano, Texas 75093
Phone: 972.596.1715
Fax: 972.867.9726
