A treatment program planned around meaningful occupations to improve a person's independence in activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing and meal preparation.
Indication
- Regaining daily living skills after stroke and other neurological diseases
- Fine motor skills training after hand, wrist and shoulder injuries
- Joint protection techniques in joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis
- Supporting independence in older adults, dementia and cognitive decline
- Developmental disorders and sensory integration difficulties in children
- Return-to-work process after a work injury or trauma
- Training when wheelchairs or orthoses need to be used
Preparation
- Bring information about your daily routine, work environment and difficulties at home
- Bring any assistive devices, orthoses or hand splints you use
- Share previous rehabilitation and physical therapy reports
- Involve family members or caregivers in goal setting
How it's performed
- A detailed assessment is performed and the level of independence is determined with scales such as the Barthel Index
- A program is designed around the goals important to the person (e.g., cooking, dressing)
- Structured exercises are provided for fine motor and grip skills
- Selection of assistive devices, training in their use and home adaptations are planned
- Joint protection, energy conservation and safe transfer techniques are taught
- Planning, attention and memory are supported through cognitive and sensory tasks
Post-procedure
- Programs typically run for 6-12 weeks with 2-3 sessions per week
- Practical adaptations may be made through home and workplace visits
- Education and counseling for family and caregivers continues
- As goals are reached, new activities are added or the program is reduced
- The level of independence is reassessed at regular intervals
Risks
- Joint pain or fatigue due to overload
- Risk of falls or injury when using assistive devices
- Frustration when goals cannot be fully achieved
- Temporary stress or anxiety during cognitively demanding tasks
- Possible recurrence of an existing injury if techniques are used incorrectly
FAQ
Is occupational therapy different from physical therapy?
Physical therapy focuses more on muscle, joint and movement problems, while occupational therapy works through meaningful activities related to daily living and work. The two approaches complement each other.
Can it be used in children?
Yes. Play- and task-based therapies are commonly used, especially in developmental delay, autism spectrum disorder and sensory integration problems.
Will my home need special modifications?
When needed, recommendations are given for safe and independent use of areas such as the bathroom, kitchen, doorways and lighting.
Does my insurance cover this therapy?
Coverage and the number of sessions vary depending on the type of insurance and medical necessity. It is recommended to check separately with the social security institution and private health insurers.
Related Information
Related Medical Services
Other services in the same specialty or with similar indications you may want to explore.
Neurological Rehabilitation
Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation
Neurological rehabilitation — restoring function in stroke and other diseases of the nervous system.
Heat therapy
Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation
Muscle relaxation and circulation support with superficial heating such as hot packs and paraffin.
Paraffin Therapy
Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation
Paraffin therapy — deep heat application for hand and foot joints.
Robotic Rehabilitation
Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation
Robotic rehabilitation — AI-assisted exercise therapy for neurological and orthopedic patients.
Manual Therapy
Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation
Manual therapy — musculoskeletal treatment delivered by a physiotherapist using their hands.
Electrotherapy
Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation
Electrotherapy — treatment of musculoskeletal pain with TENS and interferential current.
Therapeutic Ultrasound
Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation
Therapeutic ultrasound application providing deep-tissue heating with sound waves.
Laser Therapy
Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation
Pain control and tissue healing support with low-level laser therapy (LLLT).