What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy, or OT, is a healthcare profession that helps individuals of all ages improve their ability to perform everyday activities or "occupations." In OT terms, an occupation is anything you do that occupies your time and the various roles you fulfil in your life. The activities addressed in OT can range from self-care tasks to work-related activities and leisure pursuits.
Or…this comes from the Occupational Therapy Act, 1991: "The practice of occupational therapy is the assessment of function and adaptive behaviour and the treatment and prevention of disorders which affect function or adaptive behaviour to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment function or adaptive behaviour in the areas of self-care, productivity and leisure."
Who can benefit from OT at MapleCare?
Occupational therapy (OT) is a holistic healthcare profession that helps people across the lifespan participate in the activities and tasks they need and want to do. It focuses on improving individuals' functional abilities and promoting independence in their daily lives. As such, a wide range of individuals can benefit from occupational therapy.
Here at MapleCare, our OT clients include:
- Adults who have an injury or condition affecting their arm or hand
- People with neurological conditions like stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis and peripheral neuropathies
- People experiencing chronic pain
- Adults with mobility impairments wishing to make their home safer or more accessible
- Adults with a cognitive impairment wishing to maintain independence
- People needing help returning to work
Occupational therapists assess an individual's specific needs, set goals, and develop personalised treatment plans to address those needs. The ultimate goal is to help individuals achieve a higher level of independence and quality of life by improving their ability to participate in activities that are meaningful to them.
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about occupational therapy at MapleCare:
What are some common goals of occupational therapy?
Having a goal is integral to success! Clients always choose their own therapy goals; but if they aren't sure, their therapist can help them. Some examples of OT goals our clients have include improving fine motor skills, regaining independence in daily activities, managing pain, enhancing cognitive function, and improving participation in work or recreation.
What types of conditions do occupational therapists treat?
Occupational therapists (OTs) treat the client, not their condition. Using a holistic approach, OTs assess one's physical, cognitive, and psychosocial functioning in the context of meaningful activity to identify specific strengths and impairments.
Some of the diagnoses or conditions of our OT clients include, but are not limited to:
Upper extremity injuries/conditions (e.g. thoracic outlet syndrome, rotator cuff injuries, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, tendinitis, de Quervain's tenosynovitis, mallet finger, trigger finger, cubital tunnel syndrome, swelling or stiffness of the hand, tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, skier's thumb, gamekeeper's thumb, chronic regional pain syndrome [CRPS], fracture management and post-operative rehabilitation of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand or fingers)
- Chronic pain
- Stroke
- Dementia
- Parkinson's disease
- Mobility impairments/Risk of falls
- Post-hospitalization recovery at home
Occupational therapists work with individuals with a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to:
- Upper extremity injuries (shoulder, elbow, wrist, or hand)
Stroke and neurological disorders
- Musculoskeletal injuries
- Aging-related issues
Can occupational therapy help seniors with age-related challenges?
Yes, occupational therapy can help seniors maintain their independence, manage chronic conditions, and adapt to age-related changes in physical and cognitive abilities by recommending specific strategies, tools, or equipment. It often focuses on activities of daily living, fall prevention, and home safety.
How does occupational therapy differ from physiotherapy?
Using various techniques focused on physical recovery, physiotherapy helps rehabilitate the parts of the body that are injured or impaired. Occupational therapy first starts with understanding a person's functional goal, then considers their physical, cognitive, and psychosocial function to create a rehabilitation program or to recommend adaptations (or a combination of these) to help the person reach their goal. Both therapies may overlap and complement each other but each has distinct approaches and strengths.
What happens during an occupational therapy session?
During an OT session, an occupational therapist assesses the client's abilities and needs, sets specific goals, and designs a personalized treatment plan. Therapy may include exercises, activities, adaptive equipment recommendations, environmental modifications, and new ways of doing things to improve function and help the individual achieve their goals. Of note, OTs and clients are considered equal partners in the therapy plan, and collaboration and active participation are seen as positive factors for success.
How long does occupational therapy typically last?
The duration of an occupational therapy program varies depending on the individual's needs and goals. Some people may require only one session, while others may need ongoing therapy for an extended period. Assessments and treatment sessions are generally between 1 and 2 hours long, with a portion of this time allocated to communication, which is of utmost importance in quality patient care.
Are occupational therapists licensed professionals?
Yes, occupational therapists are regulated health professionals who practice according to the standards of the profession and are accountable to the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario for their conduct and practice. In Ontario, OTs must complete a graduate-level program in occupational therapy and pass a national certification exam to become registered.
Is occupational therapy covered by insurance?
Many health insurance plans cover occupational therapy services, but coverage may vary depending on the plan and the reason for therapy. It's important to check with your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage.
Where do occupational therapists work?
Occupational therapists work in various settings, including hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, mental health facilities, workplaces, private practices, and community-based settings. At MapleCare, occupational therapy is offered in the clinic or in clients' homes.
How can I find an occupational therapist near me?
You can book an assessment with our Occupational Therapist by calling the clinic in Ottawa (613) 695-1111 or book online. Appointments are available both in the clinic and by home visit.
Do I need a doctor's referral for occupational therapy?
In many cases, a doctor's referral is not required to see an occupational therapist. You can often contact an occupational therapy clinic in Ottawa directly to schedule an assessment or treatment.
