OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
The WHO defines OT as "the art and science of directing mans participation in selected activities to restore reinforce and enhance function or performance or decrease disability and thus to promote health".
The occupational therapist is involved with function, He can
1. Evaluate and train the patient in self care activities, Such as dressing,
eating, bathing, and personal hygiene to maximize independence. Use of orthoses or adaptive equipment is prescribed when necessary.
2. Aid in maintaining and improving joint range of motion, muscle strength, endurance, and co - ordination, generally of the upper limbs.
3. Explore vocational skills and avocational interests. Work with the
vocational counselor when a change in employment is anticipated.
4. Provide holistic training in home management skills, using simpler
methods to minimize fatigue and conserve energy.
5. Evaluate and train the patient in weak areas to compensate for sensory and perceptual deficits. Personal social and cultural tastes are
taken into consideration.
6. Evaluate the home and suggest modifications to provide a barrier-free
environment
7. Assist locomotion, with the assistance of appropriate devices if required.
8 Educate the patient's family by demonstrating techniques designed to maintain patient's independence and to minimize over protection
9. Train in the functional use of an upper extremity prosthesis.
10, Evaluate and train patients in the use of environmental control systems.
11. Train patients and others in the maintenance of equipment
12. Collaborates with the physiotherapist in achieving set goals using 'activities instead of movements and with the orthotist in making
splints.
Techniques of Treatment in Occupational Therapy
- Principles in activities of Daily living
- Transfer techniques (wheel chair to bed & vice-versa)
- Self help adaptations
- House vists and modifications
- Socio vocational aspects
- Work hardening
- Prevocational and Vocational- Assessments
- Job analysis
- Job trail
- Placement in jobs
Equipment needed for an Occupational Therapy set up
- Design and manufacture of splints
- Self help aids
- Exercise bicycle
- Solitaire
- Post box
- ADL training board
- Checker board
- Master mind games
- Flexion, extension, pronation supination apparatus
- Hand grip exercises
- Goniometer