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What Exactly is Online Occupational Therapy?
There happen to be several correct answers to this question, which itself has created confusion, misconceptions and myths that circle amongst us. Keep reading to find some of the more common ones.
Myth #1 Occupational Therapy is to help you with your job or to help you find a job
Incorrect, unless you were referring to the job of living life! In a nutshell, occupational therapy empowers people with the skills to engage fully in life activities, consequently improving their quality of life. While that will vary depending upon the person, one thing is for sure- occupational therapy encompasses every aspect of living and thriving.
Myth #2 Occupational Therapy is specifically for individuals with handicaps or the elderly
Occupational Therapists work with people of all ages. An Occupational Therapist can help anyone from a newborn with an abnormal development pattern, a little girl learning to tie her shoes, or an eighty-two-year-old man who just suffered a stroke and is trying to put on his shirt. In fact, anyone who wants to become more independent can benefit from this therapy.
While Occupational Therapists help individuals cope with changes arising from their disability and more importantly how to overcome it, their usefulness goes way beyond. Of those receiving occupational therapy, nearly one-third are children. Face to face Occupational Therapists and now therapists proficient in Online Occupational Therapy are brought in to solve many problems kids are having in school including handwriting, focusing, and behavior.
Myth #3 There is no significant difference between Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy
Occupational and Physical Therapists both help individuals achieve greater independence and, therefore, seem quite similar. However, they are not the same thing. What’s the difference? Physical Therapists focus on movement and regaining strength, especially after an accident or injury. For example, if a woman fell and injured her knee, a Physical Therapist will help work on bending and flexing the knee.
On the other hand, Occupational Therapists (OT), whether in the traditional face to face mode or performing Online Occupational Therapy, contribute to increasing independence in daily life activities. After determining what is hindering the client’s freedom, the OT sets out to change that! This includes, but isn’t limited to, the necessities to live an independent life such as getting dressed, eating, caring for personal hygiene, communicating effectively, working, playing, and enjoying life. They are all included in the work of the Occupational Therapist.
Myth #4 Online Occupational Therapy is annoying, monotonous; the same boring therapy
Many people are apprehensive about occupational therapy because they think they will have to sit there and learn the same thing repeatedly, which is not the case at all. In fact it is just the opposite- Occupational Therapy is FUN! OT practitioners can camouflage therapy with games and activities that incorporate the goals of treatment. And now through the wonders of Online Occupational Therapy, creativity seems to know no bounds!.
Occupational therapists will often provide new games, toys, and devices throughout the therapy session, which allows the client to do the same thing in different ways. Sometimes the occupational therapist will be challenged to find a creative way of being effective. This benefits both client and therapist. It excites the client about therapy and therapists have fun planning and executing treatments.
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