OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Has an injury, illness, or disability made it difficult to perform daily activities you used to take for granted? Do problems with mobility, cognition, or mental health impact your ability to fully participate in the things that bring purpose and joy to your life?

You don’t have to continue struggling alone. Occupational therapy provides personalized support and practical solutions to help you rediscover your independence in everyday living. Keep reading to discover how Neurability Therapy’s experienced occupational therapists can be your partners on the path to regaining function, fulfilling meaningful occupations, and enriching your quality of life.

WHAT IS OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY?

Occupational therapy (OT) is a healthcare profession that helps individuals of all ages overcome physical, cognitive, sensory, or emotional challenges to engage more fully in everyday activities. These “occupations” can include anything from self-care and work to hobbies and community involvement.

Occupational therapists use holistic, goal-oriented approaches to empower clients to improve independence, safety, and quality of life at home, school, work, and in the community.

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM OT?

Occupational therapy empowering individuals who want to:

• Regain independence in self-care, household activities, work, parenting, and leisure pursuits after illness/injury
• Improve safety and prevent falls through home/job modifications and adaptive techniques
• Manage chronic conditions like pain, fatigue, and mental health issues affecting function
• Achieve individualized goals related to disability or changing life circumstances

Maybe you’re recovering from a traumatic accident and need to relearn basic self-care. Perhaps you have a progressive illness like multiple sclerosis and want to maintain independence as your mobility declines. Or you may be struggling with the demands of work and family while coping with anxiety, depression, or chronic pain.

Common conditions treated include:

• Stroke or cerebrovascular accident (CVA)
• Brain injury (TBI/ABI)
• Parkinson’s disease (PD)
• Dizziness and vertigo
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Functional neurological disorder (FND)
• Spinal cord injury (SCI)
• Arthritis or chronic pain
• Post-surgical recovery
• Balance and fall risk
• Memory loss or cognitive conditions
• Hand or upper extremity injuries

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY TREATMENT

Depending on client needs and priorities, examples may include:

• Self-care and daily living training dressing, feeding, hygiene, and cooking with use of adaptive techniques as appropriate
• Functional mobility including transfer training (bed to wheelchair, toilet, car)
• Fall prevention
• Stair negotiation with energy conservation
• Prescribing assistive equipment like reachers, wheelchairs, hearing aids
• Assessing home hazards and recommending modifications like grab bars
• Memory exercises using calendars, alarms, and checklists
• Task sequencing (e.g., making coffee or managing medications)
• Dual-tasking
• Executive function training or planning, problem-solving, and organization
• Fine motor coordination exercises
• Strengthening and range of motion exercises
• Edema control, scar management, or desensitization techniques
• Simulated job tasks to prepare for return to work
• Community outing training for using transportation or navigating stores
• Balance-focused activities and training
• Custom splinting to support joint alignment or manage spasticity/tightness
• Leisure activity planning and engagement
• Volunteer activities

For example:

Sarah experienced a stroke that resulted in moderate weakness on her right side, along with challenges in walking and maintaining balance. Beverly, her Occupational Therapist, guided Sarah through various stages of her recovery with tailored interventions. In the initial phase, Beverly taught Sarah how to manage daily activities like bathing, toileting, and dressing using just one hand. She also instructed Sarah’s family on how to safely assist her in and out of the shower.  Three months later, Beverly introduced exercises and activities to help Sarah resume gardening. These included activities to enhance her hand dexterity, strengthen her grip, practice lifting and moving objects, and improve her ability to transition between sitting and standing. Four months into her recovery, Sarah was able to return to light duties at work.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY FAQS

WHAT DOES AN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST DO?

OTs help people improve their ability to perform daily tasks through exercises, adaptive strategies, environmental modifications, and education.

IS OT ABOUT JOBS OR WORK?

No. The word “occupation” refers to meaningful daily activities, not just employment. OT helps people function in all areas of life, including self-care, school, leisure, and caregiving.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PHYSICAL THERAPY AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY?

PT focuses more on improving phyiscal movement, strength, and endurance. OT focuses on enabling participation in daily life by addressing function, coordination, cognition, and sensory needs though there is a bit of overlap as OTs can also implement physical movement, strengthening, and endurance training.

DO I NEED A REFERRAL FOR OT?

Yes, OTs require a referral or physician order for evaluation and treatment in the state of Texas.

READY TO RECLAIM INDEPENDENCE?

At Neurability Therapy, our licensed occupational therapists are here to help you or your loved one build the skills and confidence needed to live fully and independently. We’ll create a personalized therapy plan based on your goals, routines, and needs. Contact us to get started and schedule a consultation.