Definitions for "Occupational therapy"
(OT) - OT services are provided by a qualified occupational therapist and include Improving, developing or restoring functions impaired or lost through illness, injury, or deprivation; Improving ability to perform tasks for independent functioning when functions are impaired or lost; and Preventing, through early intervention, initial or further impairment or loss of function.
O.T. programs include training to regain ADL skills such as dressing, bathing, and eating, with use of assistive devices and adaptive equipment when indicated. Upper extremity exercises are designed to help individuals regain lost function and maintain range of motion. Other more specialized services include driver's training and writer retraining.
The provision of interesting and congenial work, within the limitation of a patient’s physical and mental condition, to aid recovery. An occupational therapist will advise on the use of equipment, toys, art, music or craft to improve the dexterity and alertness of children with physical disability or learning difficulty.
Keywords:  beeson, bodley, walton, scott, oxford
Oxford companion to medicine, J Walton, PB Beeson, R Bodley Scott eds Method of treatment by means of purposeful occupation. The goals are to arouse interest and confidence and exercise mind and body.
A health care professional who helps people with stiff joints or weakness of the upper extremities by working on the muscle control and coordination.