Occupational Therapy Services

Some occupational therapists hold a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree, making them highly specialized in the field. However, they are not medical doctors (MDs) and do not diagnose or prescribe medication. Their expertise lies in rehabilitation, functional training, and helping patients regain independence in daily activities.

ADL stands for Activity of Daily Living, which includes essential tasks like bathing, dressing, eating, and using the restroom. Occupational therapy focuses on improving a patient’s ability to perform ADLs independently and comfortably, often incorporating adaptive tools and strategies.

Occupational therapy can help individuals with arthritis maintain mobility, reduce joint strain, and perform daily activities with less pain. Whether managing osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, OT focuses on:

• Joint protection techniques to prevent strain.
• Assistive devices to make tasks easier.
• Energy conservation strategies to reduce fatigue.
• Customized exercises to maintain flexibility and function.

While occupational therapy won’t cure arthritis, it plays a vital role in improving comfort and quality of life.

Occupational therapists undergo extensive training to provide expert care. To practice, they must:

1. Earn a degree – A master’s or doctoral degree in occupational therapy from an accredited program.
2. Complete clinical training – At least 24 weeks of supervised fieldwork to gain hands-on experience.
3. Pass a national certification exam – Administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
4. Obtain state licensure – Requirements vary but typically include continuing education to maintain certification.

With their advanced education and hands-on experience, occupational therapists help patients restore independence, improve mobility, and enhance quality of life through evidence-based treatments.

While both therapies focus on rehabilitation, they serve different purposes:

• Occupational Therapy (OT) helps patients regain the ability to perform daily activities, such as dressing, cooking, or using tools. Occupational therapy techniques often include adaptive strategies, cognitive training, and fine motor skill development.
• Physical Therapy (PT) focuses on improving movement, strength, and pain relief through exercises, stretches, and hands-on techniques. It primarily targets mobility, flexibility, and injury recovery.

Children may need OT therapy to improve motor skills, sensory processing, coordination, and independence in daily tasks. Common reasons for pediatric OT include:

• Developmental delays.
• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• ADHD.
• Birth injuries or neurological conditions.
• Fine motor difficulties (e.g., handwriting challenges).

Occupational therapy for kids helps them develop skills for school, play, and self-care.

There is no limit to when occupational therapy can begin. It has been shown to be effective in everyone, from infants to the elderly, depending on their needs and goals. As many developmental delays become apparent in childhood, it is very common for children to see an occupational therapist as part of an early intervention program. Some children will continue treatment for their whole lives, while others will gain the necessary skills and continue to develop appropriately. In the same way, it is also never too late to begin. Older adults can use OT to regain skills they have lost, maintain a skill, or address the progression of various conditions.