The Top 10 Ways Occupational Therapy Can Benefit You

Tying your shoes used to be so easy that you never even thought about it. But what was once second nature is now a struggle. Where can you go for assistance? 

Tasks that you once completed without thinking now take on a greater significance…and difficulty. Maybe you’re struggling to regain functionality after a stroke, or perhaps you’ve been temporarily sidelined from a knee replacement.

This is where occupational therapy can help you. 

If you’re struggling with everyday tasks, occupational therapy is vital for you to return to a higher level of functioning. At Conway Medical Center, our dedicated occupational therapists will create a plan that will help you find new ways to accomplish everyday tasks—and as a result, improve your quality of life. 

Despite its name, occupational therapy (OT) has nothing to do with careers or work placement. Instead, it focuses on helping you become more independent in daily life and helping you prevent injury. We’ll quickly review the many ways it assists you.

The Top 10 Ways Occupational Therapy Can Benefit You

1. It Enhances Your Independence

It’s difficult to be dependent upon others for simple tasks like tying your shoes or putting on your pants. OT utilizes strategies that empower you to perform daily activities with minimal assistance. This may involve using tools such as a “grabber” or other assistive devices.

2. It Improves Your Quality of Life

Chances are, if you need OT, you’re likely going through a transition in your life. This may be the challenge of recovering from an accident or joint replacement. By giving you tools to help you achieve daily activities, you feel a sense of accomplishment and control.

When you’re able to return to a higher level of functioning, your quality of life improves.

3. It Reduces the Chances that You’ll Return to the Hospital 

How can OT help keep you from having to go back to the hospital? 

There are several ways:

• OT can help you avoid falls
• OT healthcare workers can prevent health issues (such as pressure ulcers) from escalating
• Therapists help you operate both independently and safely at your home
• These therapists also work with the entire healthcare team to identify and meet your needs. 

Want to learn more? Check out this report from the American Journal of Occupational Therapy.

4. If You’re a Senior, OT Helps You Live at Home for As Long As Possible

When you can function more independently, you’re less likely to need the services of an assisted living facility. Simple modifications and adaptive techniques can help you meet the many challenges aging brings. 

5. Enables You to Return to Work Sooner

Your occupational therapist will work with you to create strategies to not only ensure you can return to work safely but also provide information that will help you avoid future injuries.

6. You Can Develop Better Fine Motor Skills

Are you having problems with dexterity? Perhaps someone you love has a disability and coordination is a challenge for them. 

OTs use activities and therapies designed to enhance and improve your coordination and fine motor skills.

7. It Can Help With Mental Health Recovery

If you’re facing mental health challenges, you’re not alone. Mental health conditions affect millions of Americans, and for many of them, keeping a daily schedule and managing their health can be challenging. 

Occupational therapists can help you by creating daily schedules and helping you improve personal hygiene. They can assist you in developing skills for navigating the daily stressors of everyday life. They can also work with you to establish a healthy routine.

8. OT Can Help You Sleep Better

Admit it: Sleep probably wasn’t the first thing you thought about when you heard “occupational therapy.” However, these therapists can help promote better sleep by establishing healthy routines. 

9. OT Helps Protect You From Injuries in the Workplace

These therapists work within your professional environment, making adjustments needed to prevent musculoskeletal problems. 

For example, they may conduct ergonomic assessments through equipment positioning and desk configuration to ensure that employees won’t have to worry about injuries such as shoulder problems or carpal tunnel syndrome.

10. OT Therapists Create a Customized Care Plan for You

Occupational therapists understand that no one way works for every person. Some may find certain assistive devices more challenging than others. When you work with OT therapists, they’ll provide a care plan tailored specifically for you. 

What Is the Difference Between Occupational Therapy & Physical Therapy?

We get asked this a lot. Essentially, physical therapy (PT) focuses on major muscle groups, while occupational therapy (OT) concentrates on how to make everyday activities more accessible. 

For example, if you’ve had a knee replaced, your physical therapist will help you walk again, assist you with balance, and provide exercises to strengthen your knee. During recovery, they will help ensure that you only bend it the amount you’re supposed to, and they’ll work with you on improving your extension.

What Is an Example of Occupational Therapy?

By contrast, an occupational therapist would work with you on how to make everyday tasks easier. They would teach you how to use a special tool to put on your socks so you don’t have to reach down. They’ll show you how to slip on shoes using an assistive device. 

This is just one example that clearly outlines the difference between the two. 

Conway Medical Center’s Comprehensive Occupational Therapy in South Carolina Helps Restore Your Level of Functioning

It’s hard to “re-learn” things that were once second nature, but our occupational therapists will help you gain the insight, tools, and knowledge to make sure you live as independently as possible.

Want to know more? Contact us for information on how you can get a referral to one of our occupational therapy professionals. 

The information in this article and the other articles on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. If you have questions or concerns, please contact your healthcare provider.