There are many patients, who might be undergoing any rehabilitation program, where the care team is likely to comprise of different specialized individuals, ranging from the general practice physician, home health aides, nurses and occupational or physical therapist. This team is said to work together so as to provide the patient with the best treatment possible as well as care, so as to have the person’s motor control and functional abilities to be restored. They also help the patient to become physically independent with proper and timely treatment given. In case, the person is anticipating to avail occupational therapy, then the following guide is sure to help as to what is to be expected from the same.


Physical vs. Occupational Therapists

The goal of an Occupational Therapist is to assist patients in becoming independent by having their daily functioning ability to be restored. This difficulty could be due to a surgery, illness or accident that had been taken place some time back. It could also possibly be routine actions like brushing teeth, preparing meals, tying shoes, etc. Physical therapists, are known to focus specifically on trying to restore motor control ability of the patient including muscle groups and motions to allow patients greater physical flexibility to reach, walk, stand and perform variety of activities without the aid  of a walking stick or taking anyone’s assistance. Through this, the patients’ are assisted to gain sufficient range of motion, balance and strength.

Getting referral

 In case, the physician is concerned about the patient’s ability to get discharged safely from the hospital especially after a medical procedure or illness, then they are likely to order the person to avail occupational or physical therapy evaluation. But, if the person is concerned about his abilities towards performing regular tasks, then these issues are to be clearly discussed with the physician. At the time of evaluation, if patient displays difficulty towards completing on his own basic tasks, then a much more comprehensive and better therapy program along are said to be administered.

Availing different types of Occupational therapy tools

As patients face difficulties towards performing different functional tasks on their own, then the therapist could have them outfitted with some kind of specialized machinery and occupational therapy devices. This can help the patients to performance their tasks safely and develop motor control. For instance, several devices do exist for assisting patients to walk, develop balance and stability in life in a much independent, progressive manner. Besides this, the patients could be prescribed by the experts to make use of other assistive devices like equipment that are utilized for grabbing and reaching things which are far away.

Role of Occupational Therapist while discharging patients

The therapist initially performs comprehensive evaluation, where the patients are needed to perform variety of tasks which are challenging physically for identifying functional limitations that could impart ability towards returning home to live an independent and safe life. However, the patient would be required to come back regularly for performing different therapies and strength building exercises for promoting complete recovery.

Author’s Bio: The author is presently employed with medicalbazzar.com. He writes articles to provide readers with knowledge on different types of medical equipments available

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