Occupational therapy is an individual, activity-based intervention aimed toward recovery or enhancement of the patient’s ability to engage in daily activities. Knowing what happens in occupational therapy sessions helps to relieve some of the mystery that goes on and provides a sense of realistic expectations.
This book follows the process beginning with the initial evaluations, and then through goal development, typical activities, and session length. Whether it’s your first therapy session or you are getting ready to attend your first appointment, the following blog provides you with sharp insight into what may be going through your head at an occupational therapy session.
What happens during the first occupational therapy session?
During the first occupational therapy session, the therapist conducts an in-depth evaluation to understand the patient’s physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges. This assessment guides the creation of a personalized treatment plan.
The history of your medical condition, the challenges you are facing today, and what is going on in your daily life. The functional ability may be witnessed when you perform basic tasks like dressing or eating to evaluate your functional ability. The treatment is performed with certain points on the target, which are developed from the above and on the basis of the judgment of the therapist. The first session, therefore, becomes critical, as it lays a foundation, as both the patient and the therapist decide at this moment some of the goals for future sessions.
How does an occupational therapist assess a patient?
An occupational therapist assesses a patient by evaluating their physical abilities, cognitive function, and emotional well-being. They may observe daily activities and conduct tests to understand specific challenges.
The assessment is usually through both conversation and hands on observation. He engages the patient in such activities as lifting some objects, and walking to identify limitations and problems created by day-to-day living.
This can be done by trying to solve a problem or memory exercises. He also looks at the emotional aspects of how anxious or frustrated about the problems created by day-to-day living. These evaluations outline the abilities of the patient, allowing the therapist to develop a treatment plan that addresses the client’s physical and mental needs.
What activities are commonly included in occupational therapy sessions?
Common activities in occupational therapy sessions include strength exercises, coordination tasks, and fine motor skill practices. These activities are designed to improve independence in daily tasks like dressing, cooking, or writing.
Occupational therapists adapt these exercises to the needs of each patient. For example, a patient who has an injury on the hand may work on strengthening grip and dexterity. They may then develop their balance and coordination skills. The therapists utilize adaptive tools to make the tasks as real-life as possible. These activities improve both the physical aspects and the building up of cognitive engagement-emotional resilience, enabling people to start being confident in doing daily activities independently.
How are therapy goals set during an occupational therapy session?
Therapy goals in occupational therapy sessions are set collaboratively between the therapist and the patient. Goals focus on improving specific daily tasks and are tailored to the patient’s individual needs and abilities.
For starters, the therapist asks the patient what is most pressing and what they would like to achieve. The set goals are therefore established in concert by the individual and the therapist for both the near term and the long term. Thus, buttoning a shirt would stand as a short-term goal, while such a goal as returning to work would be significant for the longer term. All the set goals are measurable in that this means that progress is reviewed regularly and adjustments are made so that they remain current and achievable.
How long does a typical occupational therapy session last?
A typical occupational therapy session lasts between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the patient’s needs and treatment plan. Sessions are scheduled regularly to track progress and ensure steady improvement.
The length of each session will depend on what is involved in the treatment. Patients might need to have more frequent, shorter sessions-possibly beginning with these short sessions-especially early in therapy. As progress unfolds, sessions could become longer or less frequent. Throughout the session, patients will complete a multitude of tasks and exercises in order to help them meet their goals. The clinician will keep close track of the patient’s performance and guide and modify activities based on the patient’s changing abilities.
Conclusion
Knowing what transpires in an occupational therapy session can be very comforting, as it helps to set clear expectations. Right from the onset of the assessment to the latter stages of the final activity or goal-setting time, each session is customized toward the needs of a patient. As the patient cooperates with the therapist and follows a well-planned program, his or her daily activities will progressively be improved, and independence will regain the life of a patient. Whether it is for the first session or part of an ongoing treatment schedule, occupational therapy is that empowering journey toward better health.
