Occupational Therapy Clinics in Vancouver

Occupational therapists, also known as OTs help people who are experiencing challenges, often caused by injury, illness, disability, mental health, a change in function, or barriers in the social and physical environment. Occupational therapists help individuals take part in everyday activities and provide a holistic approach to help clients improve their quality of life.

The main difference between physical therapy and occupational therapy is that physical therapy focuses on evaluating and diagnosing injury and dysfunction with the goal of restoring the body’s strength and function, whereas occupational therapy focuses on helping people achieve daily activities at work, home, and leisure like eating and cleaning. Physiotherapists may use hands-on manual techniques to repair injuries and restore the body’s mobility, whereas occupational therapists assess a person’s home or work space and recommend equipment or modification to improve daily living and working.

Occupational therapists help people of all ages who have physical, sensory, or cognitive problems. Occupational therapy helps individuals regain independence in all areas of their lives and remove barriers that affect a person's physical, emotional, and social needs. After an injury, mental health issue, or trauma, occupational therapy may help individuals get back on track in their daily life.

An occupational therapist can assess and provide therapy to help them respond appropriately to sensory information, which children may have difficulty with after an injury, mental health issue, or trauma. Occupational therapists can address psychological, social, and various environmental factors that may affect the way a child functions in various settings.

It is important to choose an occupational therapist who uses treatment methods that are known to be associated with effective treatment. An occupational therapist you feel connected to and comfortable around will also help improve the effectiveness of your treatment. Patience and good communication skills are also important to consider when choosing an occupational therapist.

Occupational therapy is often used to treat medical conditions including arthritis, depression, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease. Occupational therapy may work for some conditions in children such as cerebral palsy, down's syndrome, learning disabilities, and spina bifida. Occupational therapy also goes beyond physical help; it can also help individuals struggling with mental health or cognitive issues.