All about occupational therapy

Occupational therapists are everywhere people face physical or mental barriers to health or participation in daily life activities. Occupational therapy includes:

• Using therapeutic activities related to self-care, work/productivity, and leisure/play to strengthen and enhance function and participation.

• Assessment and management of physical, psychological, and rehabilitation-related barriers through selective (client-centered) activities for effective functioning in everyday life.

The goal of occupational therapy is to help individuals with physical impairments function and participate in activities they need for function and independence.

In children with developmental delays, occupational therapy often focuses on hand function and self-care skills.

Feeding and swallowing function may also be addressed in therapy sessions.

Occupational therapists have knowledge and expertise in a wide range of opportunities to support children's daily functioning, whether in everyday life, in school, or for general mobility.

Specializations within occupational therapy may include:

• Motor (movement) impairments – focusing on fine and gross motor functions; • Adaptive equipment; • Posture and positioning; • Feeding; • Mobility and independence; • Orthotics – primarily upper limb; • Sensory integration; • Communication; • Amplitude of movement; • Visuomotor-movement coordination.

P.S. Occupational therapy, initially introduced in Georgia and fully integrated into the sphere of international cooperation, is actively engaged with the European Network of Occupational Therapy in Higher Education (ENOTHE).