When You Might Need Occupational Therapy: A Comprehensive Guide

Occupational therapy (OT) plays a crucial role in helping individuals regain independence and improve their quality of life. At PROTx, we are thrilled to offer this service to our clients and to the community. OT focuses on enabling people to participate in everyday activities, or “occupations,” that are meaningful to them. These occupations can range from basic self-care tasks to complex activities like working, socializing, or enjoying hobbies. But when is occupational therapy needed, and how can it benefit you or a loved one? Here’s a breakdown.

1. Recovery from Injury, illness or Surgery

If you’ve experienced a serious injury, like a fracture, burn, or undergone surgery, or are unable to complete the meaningful tasks in your life because of an illness or its treatment,  OT can help you regain mobility, strength, endurance, and the ability to perform daily tasks. For instance, after hand surgery, you may need to relearn how to write, use utensils, or type. An occupational therapist can create a personalized plan to help you regain those skills. Clients often start with physiotherapy for the initial healing and strengthening phases. Our physiotherapists will then refer the client to occupational therapy to make sure specific aspects of the client’s work and home life are addressed.

Examples:

  • Mental illness- depression, anxiety, PTSD
  • Joint replacement surgeries- getting back home and making support or getting your tea
  • Workplace injury- low back injury and you are afraid to go back because you are fearful it will happen again. 
  • Stroke, – you have lost function  in your hands and can not button your shirt or zip up your pants

2. Living with a Chronic Condition

Chronic illnesses, such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis (MS), or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), can limit your ability to perform daily tasks. OT helps by teaching you strategies to manage symptoms, adapt your home or work environment to make the task less taxing so you can conserve your energy. These modifications improve your ability to continue living independently and engage in meaningful activities despite your condition.

Examples:

  • Arthritis pain management
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS)fatigue management
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) breathing strategies for daily tasks

3. Developmental Delays in Children

Children who experience developmental delays or conditions such as autism, cerebral palsy, or sensory processing disorders can benefit significantly from OT. Therapists work with kids to improve motor skills, cognitive abilities, and social skills, enabling them to succeed in school and engage in play. OT can also help children learn how to dress themselves, hold a pencil, or interact with peers.

Examples:

  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
  • Down syndrome
  • Sensory processing disorders

4. Aging and Declining Mobility

As we age, everyday tasks like bathing, cooking, or even getting dressed can become challenging. Occupational therapists work with aging individuals to assist them to maintain their independence for as long as possible. We have an aging population in Nova Scotia and it is crucial we provide them all the support they need to maintain a high quality of life. Our PROTx OTs may recommend adaptive equipment, teach fall prevention strategies, or modify living spaces to ensure safety and ease of movement.

Examples:

  • Parkinson’s disease management
  • Dementia care
  • Fall prevention strategies
  • Aging in place

5. Mental Health Conditions

OT is not only for physical rehabilitation; it also addresses mental health needs. People suffering from conditions like depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may struggle with everyday activities or maintaining routines. OT can assist in developing coping strategies, structuring daily activities, and promoting mental well-being through purposeful engagement.

Examples:

  • Depression-related inactivity
  • Anxiety management
  • Stress reduction through meaningful activities
  • Routine setting

6. Stroke or Neurological Conditions

After a stroke or diagnosis of a neurological condition like multiple sclerosis (MS) or Parkinson’s disease, individuals often lose some degree of function. Occupational therapists help patients relearn skills or find new ways to perform tasks that might be difficult or impossible due to neurological damage. This could involve re-teaching someone how to feed themselves, write, or even navigate their home environment.

Examples:

  • Stroke rehabilitation
  • Parkinson’s disease adaptations
  • Traumatic brain injury recovery

7. Sensory Processing Issues

For some individuals, especially children, sensory processing difficulties make it hard to interpret or respond appropriately to sensory input. OT focuses on sensory integration therapy, helping individuals process sensory information like sounds, sights, and touch in a way that is manageable and not overwhelming.

Examples:

  • Sensory processing disorder (SPD)
  • Hyper or hypo-sensitivity to environmental stimuli

8. Workplace Injuries or Ergonomics

If you’re dealing with an injury caused by repetitive strain, poor ergonomics at work, or as a result of an accident,  our PROTx occupational therapists can help. They may suggest changes to your work environment, recommend assistive devices, use work simulation to build confidence at work tasks or teach you proper body mechanics to prevent further injury and manage pain. Having occupational therapists in our clinics, in addition to our physiotherapy, chiropractic and massage therapy teams, has been a game changer for getting clients back to work seamlessly. OTs can also assist with vocational rehabilitation, helping you return to work after an injury. 

Examples:

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Back pain from poor posture
  • Repetitive strain injuries

9. Rehabilitation After Severe Illness

After a severe illness, such as COVID-19 or a long hospital stay due to other conditions, people may find themselves weak, fatigued, or unable to perform activities they once took for granted. Occupational therapy can help rebuild endurance, improve coordination, and adapt tasks to match current abilities during the recovery process.

Examples:

  • Post-COVID-19 recovery
  • Recovery from long-term ICU stays
  • Cancer treatment rehabilitation

10. Cognitive Impairments

For individuals with cognitive impairments due to dementia, traumatic brain injury, or developmental disorders, occupational therapy focuses on improving memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. Therapists might work with patients to establish routines or recommend tools like memory aids to help them maintain independence.

Examples:

  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Dementia or Alzheimer’s care
  • Cognitive retraining after a stroke

Conclusion

Occupational therapy is a diverse field that supports individuals facing a wide range of challenges, from physical injuries to cognitive and emotional impairments. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or adjusting to the changes brought on by aging, occupational therapy can help you reclaim your independence and improve your overall quality of life.

If you or a loved one is struggling with daily tasks, it may be worth exploring how occupational therapy can provide support and solutions. Consult with a healthcare provider or occupational therapist to determine if OT could be beneficial in your specific situation.

Reach out to us through our Contact Us page!