The History and
Application of
Occupational
Therapy
Written by Hannah Schafer
February - June 2014
PSE4U - Mrs. Kurlicki
Table of Contents
(1) The Basics:
Introduction
(2) From Generation to
Generation:
The History of
Occupational Therapy
(3) Manual and
Otherwise:
Treatment and
Technology
(4) Occupational
Therapy in Practice:
How It’s Applied
and What People are Saying
(5) When is
Occupational Therapy the Right Choice?:
Occupational
Therapy Compared to Physiotherapy
(6) So What?:
Conclusion
The Basics
Introduction
“People experience
life to the fullest through meaningful occupations - the day to day skills,
activities, interactions and experiences that engage us with our environment,
our community and the people around us. Our ability to participate in
occupations that are important to us promotes health and well-being. The goal
of occupational therapy is to positively influence people's health by enabling
occupation.”
 |
| OT Buttons |
Occupational
therapy (hereinafter referred to as OT) is a paramedical practice (CAOT, 2011;
Sandra Schafer, 2014) intended for helping people manage physical difficulties
and disabilities. Living every day independently and with ease is something
that most people take advantage of. For some people with physical and mental
disabilities, however, this is difficult. As stated by the Ontario Society of
Occupational Therapists, occupational therapists look to “empower[…]
[disabled] people with skills for the job of living” (Cabral, 2011). Occupational
therapists work with many different people at all different ages and stages of
life, all of whom can benefit from the techniques used in OT. (Sandra Schafer,
2014)
OT has
changed a lot over the years. It started off with a few female volunteers
helping wounded soldiers from World War I recover from their injuries, and has
now advanced to a respected occupation (Cabral, 2011) that requires a Masters
degree in order to practice it. (Cabral, 2011; Queen’s University, 2012; John
Melville, 2013)
OT also
involves a lot of equipment and technology. Occupational therapists work with
home modifications, prosthetics and other such equipment, and create the
opportunity for technology to aid with a person’s day to day life. (Polgar,2002; OCTC Staff, 2010; Sandra Schafer, 2014)
The jobs
of an occupational therapist can be very diverse, depending on the patient and
the circumstances. (OCTC Staff, 2010) One patient may have been in a severe car
accident in which they lost a limb and now
need to learn how to physically and mentally cope without
what used to be an important part of their body, while another may have
had a stroke and need to re-gain full range of motion in a whole half of their
body. (OCTC Staff, 2010; Sandra Schafer, 2014; Hamilton and Berk, 2012) Occupational
therapists can also help with cognitive disabilities or difficulties. They can
often be found in school classrooms with children who have learning or
behavioural challenges in order to help that child learn, focus, and become a
fully functional and constructive member of society. (Harron, 2014)
Those who
are certified as occupational therapists can obtain employment in many
different environments. Some of the most common environments in which
occupational therapists work are hospitals, private clinics, rehabilitation
centres, retirement homes and schools, while other less well known locations
include universities, client homes, client workplaces and other industries. (Cabral,2011; Sandra Schafer, 2014) No matter what the work place, it is likely that
there is the option to have an occupational therapist as a consultant. (Cabral,2011; John Melville, 2013; Sandra Schafer, 2014)
OT,
however, is quite different from physiotherapy (hereinafter referred to as PT),
contrary to what a lot of people believe. (Personal survey, 2014) OT strives to
make the lives of the patients easier by helping enable them to complete their
tasks in the workplace and in daily life. (Cabral, 2011) PT, on the other hand, looks to heal the patient
from the problem that is affecting them and help them work back to their full
potential by healing their injury. (OCTC Staff, 2010;
Sandra Schafer, 2014) Someone with an injury or disability, who is
looking to have physiotherapy or occupational therapy, should analyze their
situation and carefully decide who to turn to for help.
From
Generation to Generation
The
History of Occupational Therapy
● Early History of Occupational Therapy:
 |
| War Veterans in 1918 |
The practice of OT began in the early 1900s. (Cabral, 2011) In its early years, OT
was not well known as a practice, but as World War I came and went, it became a
lot more popular. Many of the injured soldiers from the war needed
rehabilitation to become physically able to run a family again, and OT became a
common means of this rehabilitation. (Cabral, 2011) Because of all the
psychological turmoil soldiers would leave the war with, it was very difficult
to recover by themselves. With the help from others, soldiers were much more
likely recover both physically and mentally. (Spielberg, 1999)
The course needed to attain the qualifications to help with this rehabilitation started as a six
week course, developed by the University of Toronto
● Further Expansion of the Practice:
 |
| CAOT Logo |
In 1920, people began to see that this training could be used for
more than just war veteran recuperation. People other than soldiers can have
physical disabilities of various kinds that need treating and therefore the
Ontario Society of Occupational Therapy was formed in October of that year.
This organization branched off very quickly from its origin in Toronto Hamilton Kingston London Ottawa
In the 1930s, more training, programs, workshops and
specialization, in areas such as tuberculosis, paediatrics and psychiatry, were
added to this field of study in order to enhance it. The occupation kept
growing and developing for the next forty years to deal with growing
challenges. (Cabral, 2011)
● Back to Battle
 |
| Laptop Loom |
OT was also very important during World War II. After seeing the
impact that it had on the soldiers in World War I and the beginning of World
War II, the occupational therapists were now allowed on the front lines. People
were beginning to see that soldiers who had worked with an occupational
therapist to overcome their physical and mental challenges were much more
productive than those who had not. Instead of simply lying in their beds
waiting for their bodies to heal or in some cases waiting to die, they were
able to start accomplishing small tasks while in bed - sewing, building small
toys or objects, and other such things - which then progressed to actively
trying to heal from their injuries. Occupational therapists who were working with
injured soldiers in the hospital would teach the soldiers simple yet useful
tasks with which they could make a living, (Cabral, 2011) for example working
to create clothing on a loom. (Clup, 2013) Occupational therapists would also
do muscle strengthening exercises with those who had lost a limb in order to
get the remaining limbs and parts of the body working efficiently to compensate
for the loss. This was hugely beneficial to the
Canadian army as the men were able to recover and/or adapt quickly with the
help of occupational therapists. (Cabral, 2011)
Since the 1930s, OT training was combined with PT
training. Students were able to receive certification in both occupations at
the same time, as they are closely related in anatomic studies. In the 1970s
steps were taken to divide the two into separate baccalaureate programs. In the
future, this allowed the programs to be more specialized and students to
receive a more solid education in each of the subjects. (Cabral, 2011)
● Recent Advances and Enhancements:
 |
| OT helping with grip |
The 1980s brought a lot of new developments to the education and
practice of OT. The Canadian Occupational Therapy Foundation (COTF) was founded
in March 1983 in order to provide funding for upcoming research in the field of
OT. The first OT PhD and Master’s programs were then offered in 1986 at the University of Alberta
OT at this point was still mostly manual and little technology was
being used in the practice. Technology only started entering the scene in the
late 1990s, around the time a lot of occupational therapists were beginning to
leave the bigger organizations and work in independent practices. (Cabral,2011)
● Introduction of the Internet:
The first
technology used by occupational therapists was a website used for promotion of
the occupation and advertising. The first web site for the Canadian Association
of Occupational Therapy was launched in 1998. This website provided online
resources to patients, other occupational therapists and those who were
interested in the occupation. Websites in later years also included updates
about policies and were used to send out email updates to members of the
website. This allowed for further advertisement of the
occupation and awareness among the public, and OT
continued to mount in popularity. (Cabral, 2011)
● Occupational Therapy Today:
Currently,
OT is a very sophisticated practice and well respected as a part of medicine.
(Personal observation, 2014; Sandra Schafer, 2014) Technology is a very
important part of the practice, (Polgar, 2002; OCTC Staff, 2014) and the focus
surrounding the job remains the patient. (Cabral, 2011; OCTC Staff, 2014)
Educational requirements to become an occupational therapist are now officially
separate from those of physiotherapy. (CAOT, 2014) A four year undergraduate
program is necessary with the addition of a two year Masters program. (Queen’sUniversity, 2012; John Melville, 2013) Upon receiving this education, the
options of where to work as an occupational therapist can be found in most
workplaces, as mentioned in the introduction. (Personal observation, 2014; Sandra
Schafer, 2014)
Manual
and Otherwise
Treatments
and Technology
“Canadians
who find they can’t do what they used to as easily will find there is help
through technology and occupational therapy.”
OT can be
used in a lot of different situations. Because OT is used to help people adapt
to their circumstances, there are a variety of life situations or changes that
could require OT as treatment. Occupational therapists can also work with
patients to prevent injury due to the environment in which someone with a
disability is living. There are three ways by which these tasks are
accomplished.
(1)
Helping the patient overcome their disability,
(2)
Adapting the equipment or
material the patient uses,
(3)
Recommending changes for the environment in which a patient lives and works.
(CAOT, 2014)
◦ Helping
the Patient Overcome Their Disability:
 |
| Ellie May |
◦ Adapting
the Equipment or Material the Patient Uses:
Occupational
therapists can use five different types of
equipment that can be adapted. The first type is household
objects. These adaptations can
include increasing the size of buttons on devices like
the telephone or TV remote and developing a grip for keys that make them easier
to turn. The second type of
equipment is sports
and leisure equipment. These can be
adapted in ways like adding special grips to things like pool cues,
rackets, golf clubs or knitting needles, and using
holders for playing cards. The third
type is equipment used at work and school. These
adaptations can include creating scissors that open independently, prescribing a
chair that forces proper posture and implementing boards such as clip
boards used to help keep paper steady while a person writes. The fourth
type of equipment that can be modified is equipment used daily for self care.
This includes special handles on utensils, special bathtubs and toilet seats,
and using Velcro instead of shoelaces or buttons on clothing. The fifth type is
equipment that is used is equipment for transportation. Wheelchairs, cars and
bikes are all examples of this equipment that can be modified to suit the
patient specifically. All of these modifications can make the day to day life,
transportation and occupation of a patient much easier. (CAOT, 2014)
◦ Recommending
Changes for the Environment in which a Patient Lives and Works:
Occupational
therapists can help make both physical and social changes to a
patient's surroundings in order to make their life easier. Physical changes to
a patient's environment can include adding wheelchair ramps to their home,
school or workplace, adapting the height of household objects like the oven or
the counter, making doorways wider, and organizing the environment differently
to facilitate movement. Socially, occupational therapists can help educate the
patient and those who live and work with them as to the best way to accommodate
for the disability and they can also help the patient get involved with private,
usually hospital or clinic run, social support groups to psychologically
overcome their challenges. (CAOT, 2014)
All three
of these techniques can make a substantial difference in the living quality of
a person with a disability and in a lot of these cases, these modifications and
adaptations can allow someone who was once unable to function independently to
now function as a self-sufficient individual. (CAOT, 2014; OCTC Staff,
2010)
● Technology and Equipment:
The
technology that is most used in OT is referred to as assistive technology.
(CAOT, 2012) This technology isn’t used for diagnosing patients, but instead
aiding the patient to complete certain tasks. (Sandra Schafer, 2013) Often
times this technology is created or modified specifically to suit the specific
patient. (OCTC Staff, 2010; Sandra Schafer, 2014)
Most of the technology used by occupational therapists is simple, low-tech technology. Anything from modified bathrooms to rubber grips on writing and
eating utensils to orthotics can be used by occupational therapists to improve the living
quality of their patients. (Polgar, 2002)
◦ Modified
Bathrooms and Safety Grab Bars:
 |
| Bathroom Bars |
Traditionally these bars were made of metal and would be attached
at both ends to the wall, allowing a couple of inches of space between the wall
and the bar. The mid section of the bar would have grooves in it to create a
better grip for the person using it. (Vkinney, 2012) This is especially helpful
if the room is humid or if the bar is located in a shower because when the
metal is wet, it is very hard to gab on to. (Personal observation, 2014) Safety
bars for the bathroom now come in all different shapes, sizes and materials. Some of the more recent ones are
made out of plastic and can even be made removable from the side of the
bathtub. (Carex, 2014) Each of these bars, no matter the size, shape or
material, is relatively simple in construction and are easy use. (Personal
observation, 2013)
 |
| Tub Side Grab Bar |
◦ Grips and
Handles:
People sometimes can't hold things properly or need to re-learn
how to hold things. This could be caused by a wide range of issues. Anything
from bad habit to a stroke could cause someone to need help with their grip and
how they hold things. (Personal observation, 2002-2014; Sandra Schafer, 2014)
Pencil and pen grips are very common, especially among younger
children. When a child is learning to write, they will hold the pencil in the
way that is the most comfortable for them and in the way that produces the
tidiest hand writing. This however can cause problems in the hand and develop
inefficient habits. (Rachel Schafer, 2014) Pencil grips, along with
demonstration and enforcement of proper technique, are used by parents, teachers
and occupational therapists to help children develop proper habits when it
comes to writing. (Anonymous OT, 2013; Sandra Schafer, 2014) These grips are
shaped to automatically put the person's fingers in the correct position. (Anonymous OT, 2013) This is a technique often used by
Children's Treatment Centres, as the occupational therapists there are trying
to aid the children to be as efficient as possible with their writing. (OCTC
Staff, 2010)
Similar grips can also be used on eating utensils as well as
writing utensils. This is most commonly used by elderly OT patients who are either beginning to lose
full control of the muscles in their hands or suffering from arthritis. Most of
the time these grips act to make the handle of the utensil wider and easier to
hold on to, but in some cases the utensil can be attached to a strap that goes
around the entire hand. These are used in more extreme case where the patient
cannot maintain their grip, especially when weight (in this case of the food)
is involved. (Elder Depot, 2014)
Grips and handles such as these can be used on many more things
that the patient will need to hold such as hairbrushes, toothbrushes and the
like. (CAOT, 2014) Grips can make someone's life and daily tasks so much easier
to accomplish and this is what occupational therapists are looking to do with
this technology. (CAOT, 2011; Polgar, 2002)
◦ Orthotics:
“An orthosis (splint)
is a custom-made or prefabricated device applied to biological structures – impaired
by acute injury, cumulative trauma, disease, surgical intervention, congenital
anomaly or degenerative changes - to relieve pain, stabilize
body joints or tendons, protect against (re)injury, promote healing, prevent or
correct deformity - to ultimately promote current or future occupational
performance and participation in roles important to the individual."
Orthotics
are splints used for many different reasons, including correcting
foot position in shoes. When
there is an issue with a part of the body that causes the person to function
less efficiently, usually the muscles, an orthotic can be used to correct this
problem. Polyform/Kaysplint and Orthoplast/Polyflex are low
temperature thermoplastics that are most commonly used to create orthotics. (Lohman,1982) Thermoplastics are plastics that can be moulded with
heat. Most plastics are thermoplastics, however different types of plastic need
different temperatures to mould them. (Thermoplastics, 2005) The most commonly
used thermoplastics in OT are low temperature thermoplastics because they only require
low heat to mould them into the appropriate shapes. More advanced high and medium
temperature thermoplastics are less commonly used in orthotics as they require
higher heats to mould. (Lohman, 1982) This is more dangerous for the therapists to
work with. Using thermoplastic in orthotics is beneficial
because it allows for enough give while the person is wearing it so it won't be
uncomfortable, but enough stability that the necessary support to make the
correction is still present. (Personal observation, 2012)
 |
| Orthotics for Shoes |
Braces
and splints also fall under the category of orthotics. (CAOT, 2011) Braces and
splints are often used by occupational therapists when a patient is having
trouble with a specific joint or muscle group. If the muscles in one's body are
not strong enough, a brace
or a splint can be used to stabilize the joint
that those muscles surround. This helps the person have the full range of
motion and functionality needed to complete everyday tasks. (Personal
experience, 2014; Sandra Schafer, 2014)
◦ Head
Rests and Padding:
 |
| Booster Seat with a Head Rest |
Low-tech technology used by occupational therapists is often
specialized to the patient. Whether the patient needs a fitting done for
orthotics in their shoes or they need a head rest for a wheel chair,
occupational therapists can provide these unique technologies to each person
who requires them. (OCTC Staff, 2014; Sandra Schafer, 2014)
Although not all technology used in OT is advanced, some of it is still high-tech technology. Wheelchairs, myoelectric prostheses and other computer technologies are all examples of high-tech
technologies used by occupational therapists. (Polgar,2002)
◦ Wheelchairs:
 |
| Simple Wheelchair |
 |
| Chin Operated Wheelchair |
◦ Myoelectric Prostheses:
The first known prosthetic was made and used in 300 B.C. as
a replacement for the lower leg. If someone had their leg amputated anywhere
below the knee, they could use this wooden-core, metal covered prosthetic leg
to walk on. Prosthetics evolved very quickly and even in the 1500s more
advanced, full limb length prosthetics were beginning to come onto the scene.
(Norton, 2007)
 |
| Myoelectric Prostheses |
Although occupational therapists don't design or make these
prostheses, (SWNS TV, 2013) they have the main role in helping the patient
learn how to use this technology. (OCTC Staff, 2010; Sandra Schafer, 2014) With
a lot of therapy time, a patient can go from having no limb to having a
functional limb that although isn't a part of the body, can still be controlled
by the brain. This helps amputees live a proactive and productive life as an
almost fully functional human being instead of having a large disability.
Although other prosthetics can give similar results, there is nothing in
prosthetic history that can compare to the technology found and used in myoelectric
prostheses. (SWNS TV, 2013)
◦ Computer
Technologies:
Other computer technologies can also be used to help improve daily
tasks. Things like hearing aids, adapted computers and alternate computer keyboards,
voice output technology, communication boards and other things like this are
all considered assistive technologies and are all used by occupational
therapists around North America. These technologies make the lives of many
people a lot easier every day. (OCTC visit, 2010; Sandra Schafer, 2014)
 |
| Special Needs Child with an iPad |
Hearing aids are also very common among elderly people and in
those who are born with or develop a hearing impairment. Occupational
therapists can work with people who have hearing problems to make hearing as
easy and painless as possible for the patient. This often involves the used of
hearing aids. Hearing aids, both analogue and digital act to amplify sound
waves as they are entering the auditory canal so that they might be better
received by the ear drum when they reach it. This allows the patient to hear
what is going on around them. Hearing aids do take some time to get used to
however, and that is why it is useful to have an occupational therapist helping
the patient familiarize themselves with the technology and learn how to use it
properly. (Personal observation, 2013; Hearing aids, 2013; Sandra Schafer,
2014; Diana Hall, 2014)
Occupational therapists continue to make a huge difference in
people’s lives. (Sabari, 2003) All of
this technology has the same or a similar purpose: facilitate the everyday life
of the patient. Each technology is either specially suited to the patient and
his or her circumstances or they are universally used to make people's lives easier.
Either way, these technologies can't heal people from their ailments, but make
the process of managing ailments much easier. (CAOT, 2011; Career ServicesCentre, 2011)
● A Real Life Story:
Julia Tavalaro is one
example of someone who used advanced technology, through the recommendation and
help of an occupational therapist, to regain independence in her life. As a
young mother, Julia suffered many strokes which left her whole body, including
her vocal cords, completely paralyzed. She was left in this state, assumed to
be brain dead, completely aware of her surroundings but unable to communicate
in any way, for six years. Looking back on the situation, Joyce Sabari, Julia’s
occupational therapist, said:
“I am
proud that, from 1973 to 1981, as Julia's occupational therapist at Goldwater Memorial Hospital
Joyce, Arlene and many others then proceeded to spend 8 years
getting Julia back to a state where, using technology and movement of her head,
she could navigate herself around using a wheelchair, communicate with those
around her, and even become a creative writer, writing specifically poetry.
This advance was only due to the technology and expertise of an occupational
therapist who was able to help her regain independence. After Julia’s
appointments with Joyce were done, she recalled something Joyce had told her as
they finished their last appointment:
"During my last occupational therapy
session with Joyce in March 1981, she touched my shoulder and said, 'You might
want to view my leaving as a door opening for you, Julia. Though it may be
scary to go through that door, I think you'll find a higher degree of
independence if you take the chance and wheel across. My leaving might give you
a clear indication of what you can do for yourself.'"
Occupational
Therapy in Practice
How It’s
Applied and What People Are Saying
"Your life is an occasion. Rise to
it."
● The Patients:
| OT T-Shirt |
During early development, some children need help progressing in
certain skill areas. OT is extremely helpful here because the skills that
people learn as children set the base for everything else they do in life. If
occupational therapists can help children who are struggling with these skills,
the child will benefit from this for the rest of his or her life. Places like
the Ottawa Children’s Treatment Centre are doing a fantastic job of providing
this treatment for many children all over the world every day. (Personal
observation, 2014; OCTC Staff, 2010-2014; Sandra Schafer, 2014)
There are also people who become physically disabled later in
life. Some causes for this include tragic accidents (ex. car accidents, animal
attacks or dangerous tool failure), sickness related amputations, brain damage,
and other things like this. These people now have to learn how to function
properly despite their disabilities. (Personal observation, 2010-2014)
Occupational therapists can help with this transition, not only by physically
helping them overcome their handicap, but also to help them overcome the mental
challenges that accompany physical disability. (OCTC Staff, 2010)
Occupational therapists can also be very helpful for elderly
people. (Elder Depot, 2014) As the human body gets older, some of the fine
motor skills that are necessary for tasks like getting dressed and maintaining
a grip on objects start to decrease. Occupational therapists can help these
people maintain what of these abilities they do still have. This can be done by
exercising the hands or other part of the body used to complete the task in
order to maintain muscle mass and control, or participating in physical
activities such as walking to keep the body healthy. This makes aging a lot
less stressful for a lot of people. (OCTC Staff, 2010; Sandra Schafer,
2014)
● The
Difference an Occupational Therapist Can Make:
Occupational therapists
can make such a huge difference in people’s lives but some occupational
therapists never get to see the entire healing of the patient.
Beth Larson is an
occupational therapist who worked with a young girl named Elizabeth Elizabeth Elizabeth Elizabeth
"To
Beth on Her Departure:
Who's that young-looking girl trying to teach my child?
'Touch your toes, kids, touch your heads,
Let's cruise the halls on roller sleds.'
Does she have a plan, some hidden design?
'Throw these balls, children, then catch them to your heart, then place gold stars on your progress chart.'
She doesn't deal in miracles, but at least she seems to care.
'Just make these loops in rows of ten, then lines once and twice and again and again.'
So what now? Beth is leaving? Was it something I said?
A woman with sensitivities must somehow see that she's now an official caring aunt, a part of the family!
Your genius, Beth, is something already proven.
Here, we give you that title by mutual decree.
So what's this genteel business; Doctor of Philosophy?
Oh, I know. You have ambitions; things to be proven.
Oh, and I know we'll be in touch, we'll see you around, you'll never go away.
So let's keep our eyes dry and believe that for today.
Do you somehow think that you can be replaced...?
Oh pardon, pardon me if I, perplexed, throw out the net of guilt...
On such base things are enduring friendships built."
Who's that young-looking girl trying to teach my child?
'Touch your toes, kids, touch your heads,
Let's cruise the halls on roller sleds.'
Does she have a plan, some hidden design?
'Throw these balls, children, then catch them to your heart, then place gold stars on your progress chart.'
She doesn't deal in miracles, but at least she seems to care.
'Just make these loops in rows of ten, then lines once and twice and again and again.'
So what now? Beth is leaving? Was it something I said?
A woman with sensitivities must somehow see that she's now an official caring aunt, a part of the family!
Your genius, Beth, is something already proven.
Here, we give you that title by mutual decree.
So what's this genteel business; Doctor of Philosophy?
Oh, I know. You have ambitions; things to be proven.
Oh, and I know we'll be in touch, we'll see you around, you'll never go away.
So let's keep our eyes dry and believe that for today.
Do you somehow think that you can be replaced...?
Oh pardon, pardon me if I, perplexed, throw out the net of guilt...
On such base things are enduring friendships built."
Looking back on the time
she spent with the family, Beth Larson said:
“Elizabeth became a butterfly through our
years together, and as nature pointed the way for both of us, we fluttered
away, on different paths. But she and her family were changed by the process
and so was I. Working with families such as Elizabeth
Occupational therapists
make a huge difference in people’s lives, not only by physically helping the
person regain independence, but also by becoming like one of the family and
walking with them through the journey of therapy. As seen in this case, Beth
had a huge impact on Elizabeth and her family, but the favour was also reciprocated.
This further demonstrates the benefit of occupational therapy.
When Is
Occupational Therapy the Right Choice?
Occupational Therapy Compared to Physiotherapy
● Physiotherapy:
 |
| Physio and OT |
● Similarities Between the Two:
- Both can treat people with a variety of different short term and
long term physical difficulties such as muscle, tendon and ligament injuries;
recent amputated limbs; physical development delays, and more. (OCTC
Visit, 2010)
- Both can incorporate similar technologies such as braces,
prostheses, walkers, some computer technologies (ex. Dart Fish), and more.
(Riseley Physio, 2014; OCTC Visit, 2010)
- Both occupations are very personal and the therapists strive to
build a relationship with the patients in order to treat them to the best of
their ability, but also to help them overcome the psychological difficulties
that accompany the injury. (Townsend, Brintnell, and Staisey, 1990)
- Physiotherapists and occupational therapists can both treat people
of all different stages from babies with developmental delays to elderly people
who are having physical difficulties in their old age.
- The
overall goal of both is similar: allow the patient to regain independence and
live comfortably without major setbacks in physical movement or functionality.
- Both are
excellent forms of rehabilitation, used for different circumstances.
- The
schooling path very similar between the two, the only difference being that the
two Masters programs are different (one is specific to PT while the other is
specific to OT).
(OCTC
Visit, 2010)
● Differences Between the Two:
- The specific goals of physiotherapy are rooted goal of healing the
patient’s injury or disability, and return them to their previous potential. Specific
goals of OT, however, stem more from the goal to help the patient manage a
disability to the point where they are fully functional and independent.
- PT’s focus
is on injury healing and prevention and is therefore usually practiced more
often in hospitals, clinics, treatment centres and with sports teams. OT on the
other hand has to deal with everyday activities for everyone and therefore can
be practiced in locations such as schools and retirement homes, as well as
hospitals, clinics and treatment centres.
- When it
comes to technology, PT uses things like ultrasound and other technologies used
for diagnosis and treatment a lot more often than OT does. OT uses technology
that is simpler and can be used everyday to make the life of the patient
easier. These technologies can include wheelchairs, grips and safety bars.
(Polgar, 2002)
- Physiotherapists
are usually paid more on an hourly basis than occupational therapists are.
(Sandra Schafer, 2013)
- Both
disciplines can have major, long term benefits for those treated, whether that
benefit is gained increased independence from OT or improved mobility from OT.
(OCTC Visit,
2010; Sandra Schafer, 2014)
● The Misconception:
A lot of people mistakenly assume that PT and OT are the same
thing. PT is becoming a more common treatment method in our current culture,
yet OT is still uncommon among the general public. (Personal survey, 2014) Some
people, therefore, when they need some sort of physical treatment will resort
to PT because that is when they know and understand. This, however, isn’t
always the right decision. One should seek out physiotherapist if the physical
challenge they are facing is curable, and they are able to return to their
previous level of mobility. For example, in April of 2013, I herniated a disk
in my lumbar spine and needed treatment
to heal from this injury. PT was the
appropriate choice in this case because my injury was not permanent and the goal
of the PT was to get me back to my previous mobility: walking and lifting heavy
objects painlessly. The physiotherapy succeeded, and even though I still have
some lower back pain now and then, I have mostly recovered and no longer
require therapy. (Personal Experience, 2013) On the other hand, one should seek
out an occupational therapist if the person’s injury is permanent or greatly
hindering them from accomplishing daily tasks. For example, “Soul Surfer,”
(Soul Surfer, 2011) Bethany Hamilton, had her arm bitten off by a shark in
2003. (Hamilton Bethany
sought out the help of an
occupational therapist. The therapist could not bring Bethany Bethany Bethany Hamilton Bethany
 |
| Herniated Disc |
Noah.jpg) |
| Bethany Hamilton |
So What?
Conclusion
Occupational therapy has changed a lot since the early 1900s.
During the years of transformation, many people worked hard to allow
occupational therapy to thrive so that, consequently, the patients would thrive
as well. (Cabral, 2011) Life has been made a lot easier for so many people due
to the role that occupational therapy has played in their lives. (Larson, 2003;
Hamilton and Berk, 2012) Technology, paired with an occupational therapist’s
expertise, has also helped a lot with this evolution. From the small motor
devices like pencil grips to the complicated transportation devices like power
wheelchairs, people with disabilities are easily overcoming the obstacles that
once held them back from being independent. (Polgar,2002) Another important factor is that anyone can
benefit from OT and that is one thing that allows this occupation to flourish.
(Sandra Schafer, 2014) One thing that people should learn, however, is that
there is a very distinct difference between PT and OT, and each of these
occupations offers different treatment for different situations. Before one
commits to either OT or PT they should do their research and find out which
therapist would best be able to help them in their situation. (OCTC
Visit, 2010)
Knowing all that occupational therapists do to improve the lives
of many people, the general public should be more thankful to them and make an
effort to acknowledge them. Without occupational therapy, there would be a long
list of people living hard lives who don’t have to be living like that.
I say thank you to occupational therapists everywhere, for all the
hard work you do, and for the effort you put into making your patient’s lives
better everyday.
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