Occupational therapy is a form of treatment that emphasizes promoting the health and well-being of patients by providing them with the tools and techniques to perform ordinary tasks. Physicians recommend occupational therapy to patients recovering from a major medical incident like a stroke or injuries from accidents. One of the benefits of occupational therapy includes fast-tracking a patient's recovery to enable them to get back to work. Other benefits include the following.
Restore Your Muscle Strength and Mass
When one gets hospitalized or bedridden for prolonged periods, the body experiences decreased blood flow and electrical signaling from the nerves to the muscles. Consequently, they experience a loss in muscle mass, causing them to be weak in addition to muscle tightness and stiffness. Many people who experience muscle atrophy during recovery from an illness or injury find it difficult to rebuild their muscle strength; hence it is advisable to seek occupational therapy services after getting discharged. Occupational therapists help patients apply different methods of therapy that can help increase muscle mass which also influences their coordination, posture, and balance. Overall, occupation therapy helps patients build strength which contributes to a faster return to their regular routines.
Regain Your Independence and Ability to Undertake Daily Activities
One of the effects of suffering a severe infection or injury is the loss of one's independence. You might find yourself in a situation where you need the help of others to perform ordinary tasks like feeding, bathing, and dressing. Fortunately, occupational therapy services can help you regain your independence. Working with an occupational therapist can help you relearn functional self-care skills by applying therapy techniques that will help improve your gross and fine motor skills. With time you will regain gross motor skills necessary for the movement of large muscle groups like your limb and fine motor skills required to move smaller muscle groups like the wrist and fingers. Ultimately, occupational therapy services help patients reacquire skills that improve their independence.
Boost Your Memory
Memory loss is common in people with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, nutritional deficiencies, and head injuries. In many cases, memory loss is manageable through the use of occupational therapy services. An occupational therapist can train patients on techniques that can help stall the progression of memory loss and boost short and long-term therapy. For instance, they ensure everyday items a patient needs, like keys, are always in their field of vision to prevent them from straining while searching for the items. They also encourage patients to use audiobooks to increase memory and have a book of important notes with them all the time. Overall, occupational therapy helps patients retain their most treasured memories.
For more information on occupational therapy, contact a professional near you.
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