Did you know that April is Occupational Therapy month? As described by the American Occupational Therapy Association, “Occupational therapists help people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities.”
Stroke, brain injury and other neurological conditions can be life changing. Occupational therapists work with individuals of all ages to help them discover the possibilities of a brighter future. Therapists identify how their patients can complete activities in a safe, effective way, which helps them improve their independence.
Occupational therapy addresses the actions that occupy your time. For example, returning to work or school, driving, getting dressing, bathing and grooming. Through skilled evaluation, they identify barriers such as sensation, strength, cognition, and visual impairments. Our OT teams help patient’s meet their goals. They provide education on adaptive equipment to improve independence with a task, recommend tools to support and protect and provide strategies for safely getting around your community.
Our occupational therapists look at the whole person. They work as part of a neurorehabilitation team that may include physical therapists and speech language pathologists along with your physician. During your first visit with an OT, we collaborate with you and your family members or caregivers, identify your goals, and create a treatment plan to meet your specific goals.
For more information on occupational therapy and to request an appointment, visit AAMGPhysicalTherapy.com.
Kaitlyn Schwartz, MS, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist, specializing in neurorehabilitation, with Anne Arundel Medical Group (AAMG) Physical Therapy. To reach her office, call 443-481-1140.
