With the aging population, many employees are beginning to experience health changes and conditioning changes, such that their abilities to perform the physical functions at work may be affected. OTs assess the employee's functional capabilities and correlate it with the functions needed to perform the job. The therapist is in an unique and paramount role in helping make this a positive experience. There are several ways the therapist can achieve this. With the therapist's knowledge of the employee's musculoskeletal and other medical challenges, he or she can determine how the employee can perform certain functions of the job with or without adaptations.
Creative solutions abound, from taking stretch breaks to the use of appropriate body mechanics.
Simple to complex equipment adaptations can be recommended according to the employee's needs and the employer's willingness to provide same.