Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is used to help people of different age groups to do things that they want or need to do daily. The use of daily activities achieves this. Occupations, including work, self-care, and leisure activities increases development, independence, and prevents disability. Occupational therapy is designed to help people from newborns to older adults that have an illness or disability lead a healthy life. There are in office exercises as well as exercise and activities that the individual must do at home. The goal is to help the individual participate fully in social situations, school, work, or other daily functions.
The Role of an Occupational Therapist
The goal of your Boynton Beach occupational therapist is to partner with you to determine the daily tasks you find difficult due to a medical condition or injury. The best occupational therapists listen to the needs and challenges of their patients and think about how those limitations impact a person’s quality of life.
They develop a program based on an individual’s life and environments and begin to approach it from several different angles. An occupational therapist may teach his or her patients how to deal with stress or specific exercises to promote strength, flexibility, or mobility.
In addition, the Boynton Beach BCS Physical Therapy & Wellnes occupational therapists may have suggestions for dieting, posture, furniture, and even lighting conditions. All in all, the aim is to help a person conduct daily activities and be more self-reliant while taking on daily activities in a private or social setting.
Benefits of Occupational Therapy in Boynton Beach
There are many benefits of ongoing occupational therapy. Depending on the patient’s condition and commitment to a program, some people see vast improvements in a relatively short space of time. Patients who follow their therapist’s plans experience several benefits, such as:
- Improved strength and mobility
- Increased self-esteem and confidence
- The ability to resume daily tasks
- Decreased pain, inflammation or anxiety
- Improved reading, vision or cognitive skill
- The prevention of disease or disability
- Overall wellness
While results vary among patients, there are many benefits to committing to an occupational therapy program catered to your needs.
The Types of Occupational Therapy in Boynton Beach
The best occupational therapy takes care of individuals who cannot execute routine tasks on their own and empowers them with the skills they need. Many of these patients cannot perform regular tasks on their own due to age, disability, injury or some other factor. Due to the various causes of a person’s disability, there are many types of occupational therapy, including:
Orthopedics
Orthopedic occupational therapy is for patients with traumatic injuries. This sort of treatment helps a person regain the abilities he or she had prior to the injury or surgery. It may entail teaching patients how to use a wheelchair, crutches, or other means of mobility.
Geriatrics
Geriatric occupational therapy helps older individuals regain some independence. A therapist can teach exercises to improve mobility and promote healing. Sometimes, a geriatric occupational therapist will help to feed or dress patients, as well as participate in social activities with them.
Neurology
Neurological occupational therapy is for patients who have had a stroke, multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease. A therapist works to determine the best position for sitting and lying down to prevent deterioration.
Psychiatry
Patients of psychiatric occupational therapy learn the skills to take on daily tasks such as maintaining proper hygiene and running a household. A psychiatric occupational therapist may evaluate the patient’s home and work environments and help with managing stress. These patients can learn how to lead their lives independently.
Critical Care
Boynton Beach occupational therapy for critical care entails aiding patients with severe medical conditions. Some serious conditions include stroke, various diseases, or head injuries. A critical care occupational therapist assesses the patient’s loss of bodily functions and identifies any life-threatening elements in the environment.
A critical care occupational therapist in South Florida may provide diet restrictions or develop a plan to heal prior to or after surgery. Of course, they can help patients regain bodily functions through motion exercises and proper use of supportive medical tools.
Pediatrics
Pediatric occupational therapists in Boynton Beach help children develop their cognitive and adaptation skills. A pediatric occupational therapist may help a child learn to interact with other children or new environments such as school.
Furthermore, a therapist can identify disabilities in babies and help to cure or prevent them from developing. Occupational therapists commonly work with children with conditions like autism or cerebral palsy.
Hands
Occupational therapy for hands can include preventative care, operation intervention, and post-surgical rehab. A hand occupational therapist can help to manage or reduce swelling and pain. Typical patients include those with arthritis, carpal tunnel and tennis elbow.
Vision
Vision occupational therapists look at the body’s visual system. They help if a person has poor eye tracking abilities or experiences eye strain. They typically help children with vision problems associated with learning.
Cardio-respiratory conditions
This type of therapy focuses on improving a patient’s lung function. It may entail teaching a patient and his or her caregiver in how to use an inhaler or other tools for treatment.
Ergonomics
Our ergonomics treatment in Boynton Beach considers a person’s capabilities and aims to provide an environment that suits the worker and prevents workplace injuries.
Typical Occupational Therapy Patients
There is no specific age group, gender or group of people who seek an occupational therapist’s help. Newborn babies and young children may need the expertise of an occupational therapist for developmental issues, neurological issues or other issues. Conversely, elderly patients may turn to an occupational therapist in South Florida for assistance with mobility, improving balance, vision or more. Lastly, teenagers and adults in their prime who have injuries from accidents or diseases may need an occupational therapist to help aid in the redevelopment of skills and strength to achieve regular daily tasks.
Regardless of a person’s age or gender, a Boynton Beach occupational therapist can help with a broad range of issues keeping a person from being more self-reliant or independent. Schedule an appointment with BCS Physical Therapy & Wellness to learn more about how we can help you today.
