Occupational therapy is a series of exercises aimed at improving the patient's skills and ability to perform daily activities. This therapy can be applied to patients who experience physical and mental limitations due to certain injuries or diseases.
Not a few patients find it difficult to move normally after experiencing an injury or illness, such as a stroke. In such cases, the doctor will advise the patient to undergo occupational therapy.
Occupational Therapy Goals and Indications
Occupational therapy aims to improve the skills of patients who experience physical limitations to take care of themselves, do activities, and socialize.
In occupational therapy, patients will be trained to adapt to their physical condition or illness. That way, patients can carry out their daily activities without needing much help from others.
Training in occupational therapy can vary, depending on the physical limitations or condition of the patient. Some examples of exercises that can be done in this therapy generally include:
- Everyday skills, such as preparing food, dressing, or cleaning the house
- Skills needed for study or work
- Exercise for the patient's hobbies, for example playing music, painting, doing crafts, or playing sports
- Exercises to improve memory and concentration
- Practice to speak or communicate
- Modification of tools required at home or workplace
- Use of medical aids, such as wheelchairs
Occupational therapy can be performed for a variety of medical conditions that limit patients in carrying out their daily activities including:
- Head injuries or disorders that affect the brain and nerves, eg dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis
- Paralysis, for example from a stroke or spinal cord injury
- Mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia
- Disorders of the muscles, joints, or bones, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or fractures
- Use of a prosthetic leg or hand (prosthesis) as a result of an amputation
- Cancer or side effects of cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy
- Physical limitations due to congenital disorders, such as Down syndrome, muscular dystrophy, or cerebral palsy
- Occupational Therapy Warnings and Don'ts
Occupational therapy consists of various exercises to maximize a person's physical abilities so that he can move independently and take care of himself even though he lives with physical limitations. This therapy has no special restrictions and can be done by anyone, whether children, adults or the elderly.
Before Occupational Therapy
Before undergoing occupational therapy, patients will be asked to undergo a series of examinations. When described further, the series of checks are:
- Conduct question and answer to get information about age, medical history or diagnosis results from a doctor, and daily activities
- Checking the physical symptoms that arise, vital signs, psychological conditions, and how severe the patient's physical limitations are due to the conditions he is experiencing
If needed, the therapist can come to the patient's house to provide advice on installing equipment to support the patient's activities. For example, the therapist will ask the family to install a handle on the toilet so that it is easier for the patient to use the toilet and not fall easily.
Occupational Therapy Procedures
Occupational therapy is carried out in a hospital or clinic that provides this program. Various exercises given to patients during therapy can vary. For example, after having a stroke, some of the patient's limbs can become stiff so that their movements are limited.
To overcome this condition, the therapist can train the patient to perform movements to restore muscle strength. Patients will be trained to do simple things, such as writing, brushing teeth or tying shoes.
Meanwhile, occupational therapy for children can be done to support their growth and development. Through occupational therapy, therapists can train children to:
- Develop motor skills, such as holding or releasing toys, and writing
- Improve coordination between eyes and hands so that children can copy writing
- Mastering basic skills, such as bathing, dressing, studying, playing, and eating or drinking alone
After Occupational Therapy
After occupational therapy, patients can return home and carry out their normal activities. It is important to remember, occupational therapy cannot provide instant results. Therefore, patients need to be patient and understand that this therapy needs to be done in stages.
Overall, the course of occupational therapy can last for weeks, months, or years, depending on the patient's condition. Therefore, patients need to be consistent in undergoing this treatment to support its success.
Occupational Therapy Side Effects and Complications
Occupational therapy is a safe procedure to undergo. However, this therapy may cause complaints, such as muscle pain, chest pain, confusion, or fatigue. Immediately inform the therapist or consult a doctor if you experience these symptoms after undergoing occupational therapy.
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