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Occupational therapists 'provide vital patient support'

Thursday 4th June 2009

Occupational therapists (OTs) provide vital support and education to help patients live independently and recover after surgery.

Writing in the Suffolk News Herald, Tonya Swindell said OTs differ from physical therapists in that while physical therapists work to improve the range and strength of patients, OTs concentrate on providing the tools to allow people to care for themselves within parameters outlined by doctors.

In cases such as hip replacements, certain movements, like bending, crossing legs or turning toes inward, are not allowed, Ms Swindell said. OTs can help patients to change their behaviour to ensure activities such as bathing and driving can be achieved in different ways.

This ensures that relying on other people is not the patient's "only option", she added.

Although most individuals' recovery does not require prolonged occupational therapy, Ms Swindell said the profession nevertheless provides vital assessment and advice to help them return to an active lifestyle.

According to NHS Careers, demand for OTs in the UK is "strong and growing".

Written by James Puckle

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