Occupational Therapy is a paramedical science that promotes health and well being through occupation, activities, or work.
The primary goal is
- To enable people participate in the activities of everyday life effectively, despite health issues.
- To use activities to promote better muscular coordination, dexterity and performance of manipulative tasks.
- To use therapeutic activities with assistive technology and orthotics (splints), to ensure recovery in patients treated for conditions in Orthopedics, Neurology and Plastic surgery.
Conditions managed in Occupational Therapy
- Developmental Delay (Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation, Autism, ADHD)
- Neurological Conditions(Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury, Parkinson’s Disease)
- Physical Dysfunctions(Burns, Amputation, Nerve Injuries, Musculoskeletal Disorders, Spinal cord Injury)
- Hand Injury (Crush injury, Hansen’s Disease, Nerve Injury)
- Cumulative Trauma Disorders(Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Low Back Pain).
- Mental Illness (Schizophrenia, Drug Addiction, Depression).
The Department of Occupational Therapy provides the following services
- Evaluation & Management of Functional Deficits
- Developmental Therapy
- Hand Therapy
- ADL Training
- Advice on Barrier-free Environment (Biomechamical & Ergonomic Assessment)
- Sensory Integration Therapy
- Splints and Assistive Devices
- Assessment & prescription of appropriate Wheelchair/ Seating
- Physical & Functional Capacity evaluation of return to work (Pre-vocational evaluation, Vocational Training)
- Assessment for Disability Certificate ( % of Disability)
Occupational Therapy services are broadly divided into the following sections :-
General Occupational Therapy
This section is equipped with different gadgets and devices that help in improving the muscle strength, joint range of motion, and coordination. Occupational Therapy services are also provided through the different graded and purposeful activities specifically used for improving the standing tolerance, eye-hand coordination .
Pediatric Occupational Therapy
The aim is to provide appropriate opportunities and to facilitate the development of milestones & motor skills. Different techniques of neuro-developmental therapy, therapy, perceptuo-motor therapy, play combined with purposeful and functional activities, are used to treat children with Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation & Syndromic Presentations.
Sensory Integration Therapy
Children who are diagnosed with Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder or with Sensory issues are those who benefit most from this form of therapy. Sensory Integration therapy is based on neuro-anatomy and neuro-physiology of the central nervous system. After the children are examined for their neuro-motor-sensory status, they are stimulated through activities. Specially designed equipment and techniques develop better control over their body and the environment.
Activities of Daily Living
Patients unable to perform even simple routine tasks, are taught to be independent in daily living skills such as self care and hygiene, mobility and transfers, management of common environmental hardware and home management.
Hand splinting
Patients who develop weakness/deformities in the hand due to disease, disorder or trauma may need an external support called a splint/orthosis. Some patients require splinting as part of preoperative or postoperative management.
Occupational Therapy enables not just years to life but life to years!