By Ashley Carlson, DPT, ATC, MTC, OP Coordinator Life Care Center of Estero
Happy national occupational therapy month! This month is used to recognize those who spend their lives working to improve yours. Occupational therapists provide hands on rehabilitation to help patients after illness or injury, or patients with disabilities improve their ability to move and function in daily life.
One of the biggest questions therapists receive is what is the difference between Occupational and Physical Therapy?
Physical Therapists treat patients of all ages focusing on evaluation and diagnosis of movement dysfunctions as well as treating a specific injury. Physical therapists are focused on improving function.
Occupational therapists also help people of all ages who have disability or an illness. They help people to fully engage in their daily lives from their work and recreations to activities of daily living like cooking, eating, driving and getting dressed. They also have training to work with patients who have mental illness or emotional problems.
Occupational therapists want to know. “What matters most to you?” From the American
occupational therapy association, “occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants help people across their lifespan participate in
the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations)”.
There are also new specialties in the occupational therapy field like training workers how to correctly use ergonomics, helping patients with low vision maintain their independence, making homes and buildings more accessible, and promoting health and wellness. Another specialty that we offer here at Life care center of Estero is vestibular rehabilitation. Our outpatient occupational therapist is specially trained to assist in Vestibular/balance recovery.
This month we want to take the time to recognize these occupational therapists who work every day to help our patients and community. If you have ever been to occupational therapy or know someone who has take the time this month to thank an OT!
We here at Life Care of Estero are here to improve the health of the community for which we serve. As part of this vision, we provide a team of highly skilled Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists and the latest in cutting edge rehabilitation technology such as the AlterG anti-gravity treadmill and the Biodex balance system to help you regain your independence and facilitate you reaching your personalized goals. Please call our outpatient rehabilitation department at (239) 495-4046 if you have any questions or think we can help you maintain your functional independence.
References:
American Occupational Therapy Association, “About Occupational Therapy”. www.aota.org/about-occupational-therapy.aspx.
Ithica College, “What is Occupational Therapy?”. www.ithaca.edu/hshp/depts/ot/faqs/whatisot/
Explorehealthcareers.org, “Occupational Therapist”.
“Physical therapist vs occupational therapist: what’s the difference?” Allied Health Schools. www.alliedhealthschools.com
239.495.4000 | 3850 Williams Rd. | Estero, FL 33928 | www.lifecarecenterofestero.com