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What is occupational therapy?
Occupational therapy is skilled treatment that helps people achieve
independence in all areas of their lives. Occupational therapy gives
people the “skills for the job of living” they need
to lead satisfying lives, according to the American Occupational
Therapy Association (AOTA).
What
is an occupational therapist?
An occupational therapist has training in the study of human growth
and development, with an emphasis on the social, emotional and physiological
effects of illness and injury.
Occupational
therapists may work with people who have physical, emotional, mental
and/or developmental disabilities. According to the AOTA, problems
treated with occupational therapy include:
-
Work-related problems, such as repetitive stress injuries.
- Limitations
after a stroke or heart attack.
- Chronic
diseases, such as arthritis and multiple sclerosis.
- Birth
injuries, learning problems and developmental troubles.
- Mental
health problems, such as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia and
post-traumatic stress syndrome.
- Injuries
resulting from falls, accidents or playing sports.
- Vision
or thinking problems that affect the ability to drive.
What
is an OTR?
The abbreviation OTR stands for registered occupational therapist.
This certification is offered through the American Occupational
Therapy Certification Board. Thirty-nine states, including Texas,
require therapists to have OTR certification.
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