Thanks for our occupational therapists who encompass so many areas at Hennepin Healthcare

April is Occupational Therapy (OT) Month and you might be saying “what does an occupational therapist do?”  Occupational therapists/assistants are board certified medical professionals who possess skilled knowledge in body structures, body processes, performance skills, activity analysis and occupational assessment. They work to promote health/wellness for patients at every level of functioning for those with disability and non-disability related needs.

The term ‘occupation’ in occupational therapy makes many people think of jobs. Or occupation. What do jobs have to do with therapy? The definition of occupation is a person’s regular work or profession; job or principal activity. Occupational therapy is centered around helping people participate in the everyday activities that are important to them. These activities are also called ‘occupations’ hence the term ‘occupational therapy’.

At Hennepin Healthcare you may encounter one of the over 50 occupational therapists and assistants in a variety of settings including: all inpatient units, burn unit, pediatrics, NICU, TBI clinic, ALS clinic, outpatient therapy, hand therapy, psych units and home care. Several of our neighborhood clinics also offer occupational therapy services as well.

Occupational therapy helps people across the lifespan to do the things they want to do and the things they need to do, through the therapeutic use of daily activities (occupations). Occupational therapy practitioners enable people of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping them promote health, and prevent—or live better with—injury, illness, or disability.

Common occupational therapy interventions include, but are not limited to, helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations and enhance skills related to play and self-care, helping people recovering from injury, remediate strength, manage pain to regain skills for all level of daily activities, from getting ready in the morning to returning to driving/work and caregiving roles. Occupational therapy supports return of skills from a physical, cognitive and mental lens to address the whole individual.

Occupational therapists provide education intervention to improve or develop skills in the following areas:

• Daily living skills such as eating, preparing meals, driving, dressing, cleaning, and personal hygiene
• Use of adaptive equipment – for example, equipment to assist with using the bathroom or getting dressed
• Assessment and modification of an environment to improve safety and, efficiency, and independence
• Cognitive skills including memory, problem-solving, safety, and judgment
• Motor skills such as strength, movement, and coordination
• Energy conservation strategies and techniques for chronic conditions
• Neuro-vision therapy
• Play and motor development
• Application and fabrication of splints for various injuries and diagnoses

Occupational therapy practitioners have a holistic perspective, in which the focus is on adapting the environment and/or task to fit the person, and the person is an integral part of the therapy team. It is an evidence-based practice deeply rooted in science.

The occupational therapy field is very diverse and there is so much more, so if you have additional questions about occupational therapy please call 612-873-4377.

Every April, we celebrate Occupational Therapy Month along with the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) to honor our vital profession and the meaningful differences it makes in the lives of our clients. Thank you to all the occupational therapists who look at the whole person (patient) and work side by side to enhance their function.

Thank you to all of our experts and the care you provide!