What Is Occupational Therapy?

Connection To Other Therapies

The work occupational therapists do has a very strong connection to other therapies. For example, occupational therapists who specialize in gerontology often work closely with the patient's medical doctors, physical therapists, and speech therapists to coordinate optimal care. They can help the patient move safely and practice appropriate exercises given by the physical therapist. For patients with feeding difficulties, they will also work in conjunction with the patient's speech therapist to formulate a list of foods that are safe for the patient to eat and in methods that can improve the patient's ability to feed themselves. Occupational therapists who work with mental health patients and individuals with learning disabilities may speak to the patient's behavioral health team about the most appropriate modifications for the patient and the skills that need to be reinforced during occupational therapy sessions.

Get familiar with some potential fallbacks of occupational therapy next.