Occupational therapy is a very important profession in health care. It’s applying intervention and assessment to develop, restore, or maintain the useful functions, or jobs, of patients, groups, or families. Occupational therapists (OT) are health professionals who specialize in identifying, evaluating, and treating functional abilities, diseases, and abnormal conditions that negatively affect humans while at work. OTs may work in various health care settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, the Department of Human Services, outpatient clinics, private practice, and schools. To become licensed as an OT, a person must complete either a two-year graduate program in OT, an associate’s degree in OT, or certification from a national board-certified OT.

In general, occupational therapists provide diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic services in various health care settings. OTs perform tasks such as measuring, recording and interpreting physical measurements, documenting data, preparing laboratory tests, conducting psychological assessments, and helping patients with functional activities of daily living (FADL). The majority of OTs are directly involved in the care of patients, assisting in the diagnosis and management of patients’ FADL. They may also refer their clients to a specialist for treatment.

Occupational Therapy for Children in Adelaide assist in teaching patients how to perform daily tasks such as sitting up, walking, and using crutches or a wheelchair. They teach motor skills, manual dexterity, and problem-solving through a combination of education and practice. Physical therapy and occupational therapy services are frequently utilized together to enhance recovery and maintenance of strength, flexibility, and coordination in people who have experienced an accident or use a wheelchair. In addition, these services are used to promote self-sufficiency by providing improved mobility and functional skills; to improve the function of the heart and lungs; and preventing the development of comorbid conditions that require multiple treatments.

Occupational Therapy for Children in Adelaide may work with pediatric, geriatric, neurological, cardiovascular, orthopedic, neurological, and special needs patients. Many OTs are also trained to work with children who are deaf or developmentally delayed. They provide services that extend beyond the patient’s current needs and into the future, helping children attain their maximum occupational potential. OTs may perform assessments, personalized training and development, treatment planning, and follow-up services to maximize patient benefits. They can provide therapeutic services in a hospital setting or one or more individual offices.

Occupational therapy is most commonly used in specialized settings, such as physical or industrial, medical, and rehabilitation centers. For example, OTs are employed in occupations that require stable, secure positions that often involve lifting or reaching. In addition, certain occupational therapy specialties focus on a specific skill or function such as performing speech or movement articulation, sensory processing, balance, or fine motor skills; or working with visually or hard of hearing people.

Occupational therapy also addresses health, safety, and well-being of working adults and adolescents. It helps people develop motor skills, improve physical functioning, and maintain flexibility and strength. Occupational therapists also focus on developing self-organization and concentration and on assisting patients to improve their work efficiency and productivity. The goal of occupational therapy is to help people improve their lives and achieve the maximum level of job performance.