4 Benefits Of Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is specialized therapy that helps people maximize their ability to live independently. The therapy can include exercises to help a person learn to better care for him or herself. Thus, daily activities, such as dressing, feeding and bathing oneself may be included. There are multiple benefits for ill or injured individuals who choose to undergo occupational therapy. Here are a few of them:
The Enhancement of the Patient's Ability to Communicate with Others
Sometimes, a patient's ability to form words can be compromised by an injury. Occupational therapy can help the patient find ways to effectively communicate with others. Over time, the types of therapy used may progress, depending on the mastered skill levels of the therapy patient. For instance, methods of communication may progress from unidentifiable gestures to sign language..
The Identification of Medical or Technological Applications That Can Assist the Patient.
With occupational therapy, the use of various devices that can support the patient and his or her independence may be attempted. This can help the patient maximize his or her ability to remain active. People such as Stephen Hawking, who suffer from a debilitating disease, can still actively communicate and participate in productive activities with the help of technologically advanced applications.
The Education of Loved Ones
Occupational therapy can also be used to help educate loved ones concerning the needs of the patient. Helpful techniques that have been employed during therapy can be taught to family members who are able to support the patient on a regular basis.
For instance, if the patient requires a specific type of positioning in order to bathe him or herself, the family members can be educated on this new positioning so that they can assist the patient as required, while still allowing the person to function as independently as possible.
Identification of Barriers to a Patient's Independence in His or Her Living Environment
Occupational therapy can help identify things that may be prohibiting the patient from achieving the highest level of independence in his or her environment. For instance, if a wheelchair ramp is needed, but a patient has had to be carried down the steps of his or her home due to the lack of the ramp, the therapist may suggest the addition of the structural modification so that the patient can go outside when desired.
To learn more of the benefits of occupational therapy, schedule a consultation with a therapist like those represented at http://www.wrightpt.com.
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