Occupational Therapist
What is an occupational therapist?
An occupational therapist (OT) is a healthcare professional who helps people perform daily tasks that are challenging due to disease, injury, disability, or other problems. Occupational therapists assess the activities that are important to you, such as personal care, work, school, household duties, and leisure, and help you develop practical solutions to manage them.
What does an occupational therapist do?
An occupational therapist evaluates how a person’s health or abilities impact their daily tasks. They may suggest exercises, adjustments to routines, equipment, or other measures for increasing independence and engagement.
They may:
- Evaluate routine activities.
- Identify the impediments to freedom.
- Create a personalised strategy.
- Recommend helpful equipment.
- Help individuals in returning to their jobs or studies.
- Encourage rehabilitation following injuries or sickness.
- Adapt home, school or workplace environments.
- Help develop skills for daily living.
- Work with families and other healthcare professionals.
What conditions can an occupational therapist help with?
Occupational therapy can help persons living with:
- Physical disabilities.
- Developmental challenges.
- Neurological conditions.
- Injuries.
- Chronic health problems.
- Mental health issues.
- Sensory processing issues.
- Learning challenges.
- Problems in regular functioning.
- Recovery needs following illness or surgery.
Types of occupational therapy
Occupational therapists may practise in the following areas:
- Paediatric occupational therapy supports children’s growth, learning, and daily tasks.
- Mental health occupational therapy helps persons manage everyday tasks and routines that mental health issues have impacted.
- Physical therapy promotes healing and independence after an injury or sickness.
- Neurological rehabilitation helps individuals with brain or nervous system disorders.
- Workplace occupational therapy helps individuals manage functional challenges connected to their jobs.
- Home-based occupational therapy promotes safety and independence at home.
Occupational therapist vs physiotherapist vs psychologist
| Feature | Occupational therapist | Physiotherapist | Psychologist |
| Main focus | Everyday activities and independence | Movement, physical function and rehabilitation | Thoughts, emotions and behaviour |
| Common concerns | Daily functioning, disability, developmental difficulties | Pain, movement problems, injury and physical rehabilitation | Anxiety, depression, stress and other psychological concerns |
| Therapy | Activity-based strategies and rehabilitation | Exercises, movement and physical rehabilitation | Psychological therapies |
| Mental health support | Can support daily functioning affected by mental health | Limited, depending on role | Core area of practice |
| Rehabilitation | Yes | Core area of practice | Not usually |
When should you see an occupational therapist?
Consider seeing an occupational therapist if you:
- Are experiencing problems with daily tasks.
- Need help becoming self-sufficient.
- Are healing from an accident or sickness.
- Have a disability that affects your everyday life.
- Are encountering developmental challenges.
- Need assistance returning to work or studying.
- Need help selecting appropriate equipment.
What to expect during an occupational therapy appointment
- Discuss your issues – The therapist will enquire about the challenges you are facing.
- Talk about daily activities: Discuss your everyday activities, such as personal care, job, study, household chores, and hobbies.
- Assessment – The therapist may examine your skills and the barriers to your activity.
- Set goals – You can decide what you want to improve.
- Create a plan: The therapist may offer activities, tactics, equipment, or environmental adjustments.
- Review progress: Follow-up appointments can be used to evaluate progress and change your plan.
Benefits of occupational therapy
Occupational therapy may help you:
- Develop greater independence.
- Manage your daily tasks effortlessly.
- Develop practical skills.
- Return to work or studies.
- Adapt to the changes brought on by disease or handicap.
- Increase safety at home or work.
- Find appropriate assistive equipment.
- Develop confidence in managing daily tasks.
Note: The content on this page is for information only. Hola Health does not provide consults related to occupational therapy. In case of emergency, call triple zero (000).
