What is an Occupational Therapy Clinic?

An occupational therapy clinic is a medical institution that caters to patients who need help to overcome their limitations or impairments so that they can function in everyday life. In an occupational therapy clinic, patients can work under the care of trained therapists to improve their physical and mental capabilities. Occupational therapy clinics may stand alone or be incorporated into nursing homes, hospitals, or mental wards.

The goal of occupational therapy is to address any issue that limits the patient’s functionality. The most common types of problems involve disabilities that interfere with everyday activities, such as a walking, bathing, or navigating a busy street. An occupational therapy clinic may also treat children or adults with developmental delays. These patients often focus on improving coordination or becoming more effective with their body movements. Some patients may have experienced a recent injury and use the occupational therapy clinic to regain endurance or strength.

A stroke survivor, for example, may benefit from an occupational therapy clinic. Strokes are caused by loss of blood flow to the brain, and the area of the brain that has not benefited from oxygen-rich blood may become damaged. Depending on the amount and location of brain damage, a stroke survivor may work with an occupational therapist to relearn to use his arms or legs. Patients with permanent damage may work on learning to function using a wheelchair or other assistive device.

Occupational therapy treats patients with mental impairments, too. An occupational therapy clinic may have patients with mental retardation or schizophrenia, as well as eating disorders or anxiety disorders. Therapists teach these patients to overcome their limitations to function independently in the real world. Therapy might consist of teaching the patient how to manage his medications or cope with stressful situations. The patient might also learn how to shop for groceries, manage bank accounts, or take an academic class.

An occupational therapy clinic may have a significant percentage of patients who are elderly, which is why these clinics are often inside nursing homes. The elderly are more likely to have suffered from strokes, degenerative diseases, or age-related disabilities. The goal of therapy is to help these elderly patients continue to live an independent life, even if it requires the use special equipment. Elderly patients may work on prolonging driving independence or navigating crowded sidewalks without further assistance. They also learn how to avoid hazards or injuries while living independently.