Write a commentOccupational therapy enables people of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping them promote health, prevent, or live better with injury, illness, or disability.
It is a practice deeply rooted in science and is evidence-based, meaning that the plan designed for each individual is supported by data, experience, and "best practices" that have been developed and proven over time.
Michele R. King is an occupational therapist and part owner of Adirondack Physical & Occupational Therapy, in Oswego. The practice, located at 127 E. First St., specializes in the rehabilitation of the hand and upper extremity as well as neuro-rehabilitation for post stroke and traumatic brain injury. The practice also treats home-bound residents in Oswego County and provides Physical, Occupational, & Speech Therapy service in their newly renovated outpatient.
In many cases, occupational therapists (OT) work closely with physical therapists, however, the professions are uniquely different in their approach to patient treatment. Occupational therapists view patients from a holistic perspective, considering the physical, cognitive, and pscho-social abilities of an individual, what they personally value, as well as their environment, and how it affects their function.
When working with a client, OT's utilize specific occupations, or activities that are meaningful to the patient, as a means to restore a functional skill that was lost, teach a compensatory technique to adapt the activity, or modify the environment to lessen the demands of the activity. Through the use of these meaningful tasks, occupational therapy serves to restore a client to their highest level of independent functioning in order for the client to live life to the fullest. This may entail teaching a 4-year-old boy with autism how to successfully use his two hands together to string beads in order to participate in play activities, or teaching a stroke patient how to dress themselves again with limited use of one side of the body.
An OT may implement a specialized piece of equipment, or recommend an adapted office chair for a client with pain at work due to a scoliosis, or curvature of the spine. Regardless the patient scenario, OT intervention facilitates improved participation in the client's life roles and thus improves quality of life. Quoting the American Occupational Therapy Association, "OT is skills for the job of living."
When working with an occupational therapy practitioner, these strategies and modifications are customized for each individual to resolve their specific problems, improve function, and support everyday living activities. The goal is to maximize potential.
By taking the full picture of the individual into account, occupational therapy practitioners seek to assist their clients to:
• Achieve personal goals.
• Function at the highest possible level.
• Concentrate on what matters most to them.
• Maintain or rebuild their independence.
• Participate in daily activities that they need or want to do.
• Reduce pain and/or limit the effects of their disability on everyday activities.
In celebration of National Occupational Therapy Month, Adirondack Physical & Occupational Therapy is offering free screenings throughout the month of April. If you or someone you know may benefit from our services, please visit our website at www.adirondacktherapy.com and print our coupon for a free screening, which can be scheduled by calling 315-207-2222.
About Adirondack Physical & Occupational Therapy
Adirondack Physical & Occupational Therapy, 127 E. First St., in Oswego, offers specialized Occupational Therapy Services. Therapists specialize in hand and upper extremity rehabilitation as well as neuro-rehabilitation for post stroke and traumatic brain injury.
