About Occupational Therapy Practitioners

Occupational Therapy n. (abbr. OT)

an applied science and health profession that provides skilled treatment to help individuals develop, regain or maintain the skills necessary to participate in all facets of their lives. OT gives people the "skills for the job of living" necessary for living meaningful and satisfying lives.

View Other Disciplines:

The Occupational Therapist enters the field with a bachelors, masters, or doctoral degree. The Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) generally earns an associate degree.

Services typically include:

Customized treatment programs to improve one's ability to perform daily activities such as dressing, bathing, toileting, eating and cooking
Comprehensive home and job site evaluations with adaptation recommendations
Adaptive equipment recommendations including hand splints and modifications to eating utensils along with the appropriate education and usage training
Guidance to family members and caregivers

Who Benefits From Occupational Therapy?
A wide variety of people can benefit from Occupational Therapy, including those outlined below:
• work-related injuries including lower back problems or repetitive stress injuries • limitations following a stroke or heart attack • arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or other serious chronic conditions • birth injuries, learning problems, or developmental disabilities • mental or behavioral problems including Alzheimer's, schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress • problems with substance use or eating disorders • burns, spinal cord injuries or amputations • broken bones or other injuries from falls, sports injuries or accidents • vision or cognitive problems that threaten their ability to drive