The information on this page is for patients and potential patients who are looking for more information about HOPE Therapy and/or occupational therapy.
Occupations are the things we do that help to define who and what we are and they are the things that give our lives meanings. Occupation is important because the loss of occupation negatively impacts our health. Common examples of occupations include: dressing, bathing, driving, cooking, golfing and fishing. Occupational therapist are unique providers of rehabilitation services because of our focus on occupation!
Occupational therapy is an International health profession which was founded in 1914. Occupational therapy focuses treatment on improving clients' abilities to care for themselves, be productive and to engage life in ways that are personally meaningful.
Occupational therapists use many different treatments to help clients improve their occupational performance. Our repertoire of treatment addresses underlying issues relating to:
- Strength
- Range of Motion
- Balance
- Endurance
- Cognitive function
- Sensory integration
- Environmental modification/adaptations
While there is no absolute list of diagnoses that can be treated by occupational therapy, here is a list of the most often seen medical problems:
- CVA or stroke
- Difficulty walking
- Lymphedema
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Neurological diseases such as Alzheimers and Parkinson's
- Brain and/or spinal cord injury
- Other disease/disorders which negatively impact a person's independence
What an occupational therapists does to enable clients to engage in occupation is again varied. Occupational therapist may manufacture a splint to allow the client to eat; They may provide specific treatment to allow a client to sit up and put on their shirt by strengthening weak muscles; Or the may modify the environment to allow clients to access their bathroom. Occupational therapists are often creative and seepossibility where others only see impossibility.
Occupational therapy is reimbursed by most insurance provided a physician's order indicates a medical necessity for our services. In the absence of a physician's order, occupational therapists may accept cash payment for services.
If you have difficulty caring for yourself, being productive in your life or simply enjoying life, then a seeing an occupational therapist is indicated. Remember, occupational therapy is about much more than just fixing a medical "problem"; it's about teaching people skills for the job of living!
If you think occupational therapy will change your life, tell your doctor. They can easily refer you to HOPE Therapy Services. Or, contact us directly at 407.302.6408. If you are not located in central Florida, you may find a therapist in your area in the yellow pages under occupational therapy; or contact the American Occupational Therapy Association.