6 Surprising Changes You May Experience With Occupational Therapy

It can be difficult to ask for help, especially if you’ve maintained your independence for a long time. However, there are a number of potentially life-changing benefits if you request occupational therapy services.

Occupational therapy is a program designed for anyone who needs assistance with mental and physical issues affecting their daily life. These programs can focus on your physical skills like balance and coordination, but also mental ones such as self-care, emotional regulation, and coping skills. 

It’s easy to fall into a rut and believe the problems you’re experiencing now will never get any better. While some physical and mental conditions can be debilitating, help is available. You may be surprised at how much of an asset that occupational therapy can be. 

To learn more about occupational therapies and the benefits, keep reading.

#1 – Increased Productivity

When you undergo NDIS occupational therapy in Brisbane and work hard to achieve your goals, you may find that your overall productivity in everyday life increases. For example, if you’ve been involved in an accident and your occupational therapy team assists with home modifications, wheelchairs, and assistive technology, you may be able to navigate your way around your house much easier and do more for yourself without needing help. 

#2 – More Independence

When you’re suffering from a debilitating physical or mental problem, you may struggle to perform even the most straightforward tasks in life like grocery shopping and using public transport. These can be challenging problems to combat, but they can often be ones you can overcome with help and support. 

Occupational therapists can work with you to build independence, work on behaviour support, and develop programs that help you interact with others and perform more independent tasks. 

#3 – Reduced Risk of Accidents

Many older adults, disabled people, and those involved in accidents request the services of occupational therapists to assist with their recovery and make everyday tasks easier to manage. 

With exercises that focus on balance and coordination and support through wheelchairs, seating, home safety measures and modifications, as well as assistive technology, you may be at a reduced risk of accidents like falls in your own home. 

#4 – Improved Mental Health

Whether you’re an older adult, living with a disability, or you’re recovering from a traumatic accident, you may also be struggling with your mental health. Any mental health issues may also be further exacerbated by significant life changes such as moving to a new city, losing a loved one or pet, or experiencing any other life-changing event. 

While many mental health services exist to assist with these issues, your occupational therapist may also offer the support you need. While helping with any physical barriers, they may also help you learn new coping skills that provide you with the tools you need to work through challenging feelings so that you can focus on self-improvement. 

#5 – Physical Health Improvements

Occupational therapists are often recommended to anyone involved in an accident that has limited their physical capabilities. During your early days of recovery, it’s easy to believe that nothing will make you feel better, healthier, or stronger. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. 

You may be surprised at the progress you have the potential to make with the help of an occupational therapist. They can help with proper body positioning, range of motion, compensatory prevention techniques, and general strength exercises. With their help, you may be on the road to recovery sooner than you thought. 

#6 – Cognitive and Memory Enhancements

Through sensory stimulation and memory-building exercises, anyone experiencing cognitive and memory problems relating to a health condition, accident, or injury, may notice improvements in their memory and mental abilities. 

These exercises may even lead to the retrieval of memories you may have thought were gone forever. While the benefits may not be immediately evident, working hard during occupational therapy sessions may produce some surprising brain-related benefits. 

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