Occupational therapy is a discipline or tool in the health field that has become a benchmark for treating some disabilities, both physical and intellectual, ideal for helping people master various activities of daily living. The set of techniques and methods used by the occupational therapist will greatly help maintain and improve the health status of the person receiving the treatment.
If you want to know more about this topic, Pediatric occupational therapy San Diego has prepared a guide to know everything about the benefits of receiving occupational therapy, its objectives, and applications, among other aspects.
What is occupational therapy?
Occupational therapy consists of exercises and activities to develop specific skills. In cases of a patient with a writing problem, therapy may include multisensory techniques to help with handwriting. If a person has difficulty concentrating, the therapist may order a full-body exercise to be done before going to work.
For people with disabilities, the sooner they start therapy, the more effective it will be. Performing and completing basic tasks can also help build people’s self-esteem and confidence.
Occupational therapy is a way of integrating the patient with the environment. It is often performed in rehabilitation centres and homes for children and the elderly with physical and intellectual disabilities. The type of therapy is selected according to the abilities and needs of the patient.
What are the main benefits of occupational therapy?
Among the main benefits of occupational therapy is the increased independence of the person who undergoes this type of treatment, as they can easily return to their daily activities thanks to it. Often for people with disabilities and the sick, performing routine activities can be quite a feat.
In addition to improving physical condition, thanks to memory and concentration exercises, you can be sure that your manual and motor skills will improve. Motor coordination will also be increased, and the quality of daily life will be improved.
Also, thanks to Occupational therapy kids san diego, the nervous tension will change. On the other hand, thanks to self-expression through art therapy and other forms of occupational therapy, people will be able to put emotions on paper, dance or show through theatre classes. Useful techniques that will be of great help. Although sometimes people cannot talk about their emotions, they will be able to express them successfully.
The development of interests and passions is also another of the benefits of occupational therapy, and each person needs to find what interests them and what they consider their passion. Thanks to occupational therapy, patients will have this possibility by discovering their desires and dreams. Regular and well-performed occupational therapy allows the favourable development of the patient, increasing their independence.
Occupational therapy Del Mar allows the patient to discover the skills and predispositions to work and create, which reduces frustration and, at the same time, will allow him to carry out creative work and activities that reduce stress and nervous tension.
The activities performed as part of occupational therapy improve patients’ well-being and interpersonal skills, that is, the ability to communicate with other people, start conversations, cooperate and make friends.
Types of occupational therapy
The benefits of occupational therapy can be achieved by applying the following types.
Occupational therapy
It is a type of therapy through work that involves performing different manual activities such as painting, carving, weaving, tailoring, wickerwork, and gardening, among others. Occupational therapist san diego allows the development of manual and motor skills. It improves the patient’s self-esteem, who can get an idea of the meaning of their work and feel needed thanks to this form of therapy.
Occupational therapy can uncover the potential of these people to perform a certain type of craft work and, in some cases, provide the opportunity for true employment and independence.
Art therapy
It is therapy through art widely understood, that is, through communication with art, including music, books, theatre, dance, and others. Art therapy is based on artistic activities that activate the patient. In art therapy, patients paint pictures, make sculptures, and even create music by singing and playing instruments.
The works are discussed and analyzed with a therapist, who will help the patient understand their thoughts, emotions and motives and feel the sensation of creating and sharing their imagination and thoughts with others. Thanks to art therapy, patients develop, are open to dialogue and contact with others, and feel the satisfaction of creating something for themselves.
Sociotherapy
It is therapy through group or social meetings, that is, through games, games with other participants and activities aimed at developing interpersonal skills.
Stethotherapy
It is therapy through contact with beautiful surroundings and objects, such as visiting a museum, walking, or going to the theatre, cinema, or philharmonic hall. This therapy allows the patient to come into contact with the environment, activating it through visual and aesthetic stimuli related to contact with nature.
Kinesitherapy
It is therapy through movements such as gymnastics, team games, dance and walking.
Relaxation classes
It is therapy with relaxation techniques. Its main objective is to reduce nervous tension, relieve stress symptoms and eliminate anxiety.
