The goal of the occupational therapist is to help you perform chores in everyday situations (i.e., dressing yourself, bathing, cooking, shopping, etc.) Your occupational therapist will develop custom exercises and approaches for your physical challenges.
Hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder injuries are common problems that occupational therapists can help with. They can also assist in the treatment of paralysis, joint disease, cognitive impairment and an inability to perform personal care tasks. Any physical or mental problem that interferes with a person’s ability to perform daily activities of living can be treated by an occupational therapist.
An occupational therapist evaluates components of daily living including:
- Physical function
- Needs for adaptive equipment
- Performance of basic skills such as dressing or bathing
- Performance of community skills such as shopping or driving
- Home environment
- Motor skills
- Coordination