What is OT?

High time I do this post.

It is currently summer break here in the PH and for graduating students its GRADUATION RITES season.

I myself am a recent graduate of a 5 year (4 year course if you study in UP) course- OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY.

Ever since I started in college I was always asked "Ano ang course mo" (What is your course) by everyone I know and when I answer OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY 80% of the time they get this look:

I can't really blame people for not knowing about it, it is not as well known as say, nursing. But sometimes I do get bitter that we are so unrecognized, even in the baccalaureate mass the hosts attention was called before they were able to mention our college. 

But when I do get to asked to explain, I explain it in a way which I think the people who ask can easily grasp it. I say "Parang PT na may Psych" (It's like Physical Therapy with a psychological aspect" but what I failed to think about was that I was explaining it wrong and I was giving people the wrong impression. I myself have a hard time of explaining what OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY in a nutshell is. There are so many areas, so many fields that I feel I cannot express it in one sentence alone.

 It was once described by a revered professor as "Occupational therapy makes people optimally functional" and that is it. We help people reach their potential for occupational participation. As much as possible we maximize their independence and thereby improving self esteem and hopefully quality of life. I know that I am not as adept as explaining the profession as I should be, but forgive me I am after all only a fresh graduate. So in the best way I can I will try showing you, my readers what we do on a daily basis.

We try to provide intervention based on the client's goals. We make them independent or at the most increase their participation in everyday tasks or in the areas of occupation such as Activities of daily Living (Bathing, Dressing, Eating, Feeding, Toileting, Functional Mobility, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living)(Financial Management, Home Management, Child Rearing, Community Mobility) Work, Play, Leisure and Sleep. 

ADULT PHYSICAL DYSFUNCTION

In this setting we usually cater to adults who have acquired a disability. Common conditions that we see are: Stroke, Spinal Cord Injuries, Burns, Amputations, Fractures, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Nerve Injuries, Tendon Injuries, Low Back Pain, Arthritis. 

PEDIATRICS

We deal with children with behavioral/physical problems. Common conditions encountered are Cerebral Palsy, Autism, ADHD, Global Developmental Delay, Down's Syndrome.

PSYCHIATRIC

We usually conduct group activities in the psych ward. We teach them socially acceptable behaviors through these activities as well as provide for a possible source of income. 

GERIATRICS

Usually we deal with improving their quality of life by providing environmental modifications, assistive technology, educating them on work simplification techniques and maintaining current level of function. 

I know that these explanations are lacking, but hopefully it has given a brief background on occupational therapy. There are many possible sources on the internet that explain about the history of OT, job descriptions and the like.

For those who are planning to pursue this career don't hesitate to ask questions and I will answer them to the best of my ability. Just post in the comment box below.

Lastly I want to leave everyone the impression that OT is FUN!