Occupational therapy is an oft-heard term, but it is not as widely understood as physical therapy or as other terminology related to orthopaedics and healthcare in general. This blog will be a thorough exploration of what occupational therapy entails, from the perspective of patients as well as care providers, and what offerings MidAmerica Orthopaedics provides for patients in need of occupational therapy.

As a starting point, occupational therapy is far more personal and large in scope compared to physical therapy. Occupational therapists take a holistic approach with their patients, helping them with all aspects of life – physical, mental, social, emotional, and leisure activities. On the other hand, physical therapy is restricted to helping patients move better physically after a surgery or a significant injury. Read our blog on orthopaedic physical therapy here to learn more.

Who Can Be an Occupational Therapist?

In the United States, occupational therapists must attain at least a master’s degree, and be licensed to practice in their state. Common undergraduate areas of study include biology or physiology. It is an increasingly popular profession; as of 2019, roughly 143,000 people were practicing occupational therapists in the United States.

Aside from the specific qualifications and degrees necessary, just as important are soft skills when it comes to this profession. Occupational therapists must be patient; they must be personable, and they must be problem solvers by nature. They are asked to create custom solutions for each individual patient they see, and teach and reteach them new ways to do everyday tasks. At MidAmerica Orthopaedics, our occupational therapists are all of these things and more, and we encourage anyone in our region who may be in need of occupational therapy to visit our website or visit either of our clinics in suburban Chicagoland.

Examples of Occupational Therapy

Now that we have defined what occupational therapy entails from a broad lens, let’s zero in on what it actually looks like in practice, with some examples.

One example is helping a senior citizen who is experiencing cognitive changes remember a list of some kind. This type of therapy will help sharpen their short-term memory, leading them to live a more engaging life and maintain positive relationships with their loved ones.

Another example would be helping a child who is struggling in school with day-to-day social interactions. An occupational therapist would step in and help the child prepare for these situations by teaching them healthy methods of dealing with frustration.

How to Obtain Occupational Therapy

If you, a family member, or a loved one are in need of occupational therapy – or think you may benefit from it but do not know how to obtain it – start with MidAmerica Orthopaedics. We care about each and every one of our patients, and will happily talk through the patient’s needs and goals, and evaluate their environments – i.e. workplace, school – in order to best meet those needs and goals.

MidAmerica Orthopaedics has a team of wonderful occupational therapists. These experts have decades of combined experience in their fields and are passionate about their work. They are the consummate professionals and every patient who sees them is in the best hands.