Occupational therapy is an allied health profession that focuses on helping individuals develop, regain, or maintain the skills needed for daily life activities. These activities, known as occupations, encompass various aspects of daily living, including self-care, productivity, and leisure.

What does an occupational therapist do?

Occupational therapists are highly trained professionals who utilise therapeutic techniques to address physical, cognitive, emotional, and sensory challenges that may hinder an individual’s ability to engage in meaningful occupations.

Occupational therapy aims to evaluate an individual’s capacity to perform a task, identify barriers and breakdowns when doing, and intervene at that level through skill retraining, adaptive strategies, prescription of assistive aids and building function through motor patterns and cognitive skills among others.

Looking for a trusted OT in Sydney? Book an initial appointment with us or call us on 02 8320 6186 to learn more!

Occupational therapy can benefit a wide range of individuals across different age groups and backgrounds. It is particularly beneficial for those who face challenges in the following areas:

i) Children with developmental delays or disabilities – Paediatric Occupational Therapy is a segment of OT that deals with developmental delays in children, including autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), down syndrome and cerebral palsy among others.

ii) Individuals recovering from injuries or surgeries – Occupational Therapy for adults or younger people following an injury or surgery is beneficial in building capacity through skill retraining such as fine motor skills and strength and adaptive or assistive technology such through environment modification, equipment prescription and task redistribution. OT within this space aims to enhance independence during recovery stages of injury and post-surgery to enable them to continue conducting what they want and need to do.

iii) Older adults experiencing age-related changes or managing chronic conditions such as arthritis or dementia. Occupational Therapy for older adults can help empower and enhance daily independence, manage pain, support memory, ensure safety at home, and promote emotional well-being through personalised strategies, exercises, adaptive devices, and cognitive interventions.

iv) Individuals with mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Occupational Therapy in this case aids individuals by promoting routine, enhancing coping skills, and fostering meaningful activities. Occupational therapists work on setting achievable goals, managing stress, and improving daily functioning, nurturing mental well-being through specific circumstance based strategies and engagement in fulfilling activities.

v) People with neurological conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease. Occupational Therapy aids this group of individuals by addressing motor, cognitive, and sensory challenges. Individualised interventions can help improve daily tasks, independence, and overall well-being, fostering a better quality of life.

Since care might look different for every individual, understanding what an occupational therapist does and who OT is recommended for can play an important role in identifying the type of aid individuals might need in specific situations.

Occupational Therapy offers numerous benefits that can greatly improve an individual’s quality of life. Some OT benefits include:

Enhancing Independence

The core focus of what occupational therapists do revolves around enhancing independence. Occupational therapists work closely with clients to develop strategies and adaptive techniques that help impaired individuals perform daily activities without or with minimal support from a carer.

Improving Motor Skills & Cognitive Abilities

Occupational Therapy treats motor skills used in various contexts, whether it’s fine motor skills like handwriting a letter or typing at work or gross motor skills like walking and climbing stairs, Occupational Therapy interventions can help individuals enhance functional capacity to enhance performance and participation in their chosen activities.

Occupational Therapy techniques can build cognitive functions such as memory, attention, problem-solving, and decision-making. These cognitive skills are important in a variety of activities and contexts such as multi-tasking during domestic duties, conversation dynamics, following instructions such as a recipe, learning a new sport and maintaining focus and engagement within the classroom or at work.

Improving Emotional & Social Wellbeing

Occupational therapists provide support and strategies to manage stress, cope with emotions, and improve overall mental health through incorporating meaningful and purposeful activity.

Occupational Therapy interventions focus on developing social skills and facilitating meaningful social interactions with peers and family members. Occupational Therapy intervenes at the level of social dynamics and social skills such as non-verbal language, reciprocity, speech volume and awareness of social cues among others. This aims to improve capacity in social settings, to initiate and maintain meaningful relationships.

Adapting Home Environments

Occupational therapists can assess living spaces and recommend modifications or assistive devices to make them more accessible and safe for an individual to enhance their independence and decrease reliance on carers, which reduces carer burden and burnout. Through home environment adaptations, OT aims to assist the individual to feel safer and more confident in their space to enhance engagement in activities they need and want to do.

Looking for a trusted OT in Sydney? Book an initial appointment with us or call us on 02 8320 6186 to learn more!

Knowing the various OT benefits, if you or a loved one are experiencing difficulties in performing daily activities independently or facing challenges related to physical, cognitive, emotional, or sensory skills, it may be time to consult an occupational therapist. Some indicators that suggest the need for occupational therapy include:

- Difficulty with self-care tasks, such as dressing, grooming, or bathing.

- Challenges with productivity activities within school, university or work such as limitations in academic performance or vocational skills. 

- Impaired motor skills affecting handwriting, coordination, or balance.

- Struggles with social interactions or play skills.

- Difficulties in managing stress, anxiety, or emotional regulation.

- Decline in independent living skills due to ageing or chronic conditions.

- Difficulty learning new skills or performing old ones.

Availing Occupational Therapy through NDIS

If you are an NDIS participant, you can access Occupational Therapy services to support your goals and enhance your independence. Our team at Pro-Form Physiotherapy is an approved NDIS provider, ensuring that you can receive the services you need under the NDIS scheme. Our dedicated staff will guide you through the process, from initial assessment to developing a personalised therapy plan tailored to your unique needs and goals.