These disabilities are caused by birth defects, injuries, illnesses, learning problems, or aging. OTs help people develop, recover, or maintain their living and work skills. They help some patients improve physical functions, such as arm movements. Other patients need to improve their reasoning abilities. The main goal of OTs is to help patients have independent, satisfying lifestyles.
Therapists evaluate patients' abilities and skills.
They set goals and plan programs with patients and other medical staff. OTs use activities of all kinds with their patients. Some activities are designed to improve physical strength and coordination. Other activities are designed to improve vision, memory, or reasoning. OTs may use standard activities or create new activities specifically designed for each patient.