What is Occupational Therapy?
“Mobility is essential for getting through the day, whether you need to walk across a room to the bathroom or kitchen, get out of bed or a chair, or walk through a grocery store,” says Heidi Godman of the Harvard Health Letter. It’s an obvious enough thing to say, but it underscores an important point: sometimes, you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone. That’s why Princeton Health Care Center provides occupational therapy services in the Princeton WV area. If your doctor has suggested occupational therapy, here are some things you should know.
Occupational Therapy vs. Physical Therapy
Let’s start by clearing up a common misconception. Many people use the terms occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) interchangeably. There are some similarities between the two, but there are also some important differences.
Both can significantly improve your quality of life. However, PT is narrowly focused on the biomechanical cause of limited motion, whereas OT looks at your physical activity in the context of their everyday life, and takes a more holistic approach to treatment.
Overview of Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy can either complement physical therapy or be administered on its own. PT is often a useful first step since it’s concerned with building strength. OT rebuilds fine motor skills and helps patients return to activities like dressing, bathing, cooking, and cleaning.
How You Benefit from Occupational Therapy
Let’s take a brief look at some of the benefits individuals find in occupational therapy.
More Independence
We’re raised to be self-reliant, and that old conditioning doesn’t leave just because illness or injury has impacted our ability to take care of ourselves. If you, or someone you care for, is experiencing physical limitations and the frustrations that go with them, occupational therapy can restore a measure of independence and dignity.
Quality of Life
Your current physical condition may be causing you to do fewer activities that you once enjoyed, whether it’s a long walk with friends, playing with your grandkids, or cooking a meal for a family gathering. Physical therapy can help you take back some of those activities.
Better Mental Health
As AgingCare notes, “Isolation and depression go hand in hand.” We’re hardwired to be social creatures, but that’s difficult if your condition or your recovery are keeping you from your bowling night, coffee with friends at the luncheonette, or your daily walk around the neighborhood. Physical activity improves your mental sharpness, but it also helps you engage with friends and neighbors and goes a long way toward keeping you mentally as well as physically fit.
Occupational Therapy at Princeton Health Care Center
Princeton Health Care Center takes a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to occupational therapy. Strength and coordination are rebuilt. The physical aspect is reinforced through memory, spatial, and cognitive conditioning. Patients are given specific exercises to promote joint protection, overall health, and a return to daily living.
If your golden years aren’t feeling so golden because you find yourself unable to enjoy your favorite people and activities, it’s time to find help. The expert and caring staff at Princeton Health Care Center can help you hit your stride — and rediscover your joy. Contact us today!