Many Americans recover from physical illness or injury every day. In fact, as many as 4.7 million Americans were living with an artificial knee in 2014 alone.
Occupational therapy is a form of therapy that those recovering from physical or mental illness can use as a way to improve their performance of daily activities. Occupational therapy sessions can help you make great strides to your highest potential.
But how can you make the most out of your occupational therapy appointments? Consider the following ways you can ensure you perform to the best of your ability at every occupational therapy session you have.
- Give your occupational therapist the complete history. Your occupational therapist is a medical professional, so it’s important to share with them the details of your injury, illness, or mental illness. You should also share your interests and what you do on a daily basis to give your occupational therapist an idea of the goals you’re striving towards.
- Dress comfortably for your sessions. In occupational rehabilitation, you’ll be moving quite a lot. For this reason, you’ll want to be sure to dress comfortably in clothing that’s a looser fit or stretchy.
- Keep lines of communication open. Another great way to get the most out of your occupational therapy sessions is to communicate openly with your therapist. Share any information you believe your therapist may find useful and be sure to ask questions should you be confused about any exercises or activities. Consider keeping a journal for your sessions so you remember the answers to your questions.
- Set goals with your therapist. Your occupational therapist may set a few goals for you to help you navigate your struggles. However, it’s also a good idea to set your own personal goals and to discuss these with your therapist before and during your sessions. These goals can help keep you focused on reaching your highest potential and can help you get back to doing what you love.
An occupational therapy center can help you recover from a physical illness or injury so you can get back to performing your regular daily activities independently. for more information on occupational rehabilitation, physical therapy treatment, or pain management, contact an occupational therapist today.
