The Numerous Benefits of Occupational Therapy for Adults

One of the most challenging parts of growing old is losing the ability to perform activities that used to be easy. Being unable to complete everyday tasks can be extremely frustrating, which is why people look for a reliable method of restoring their functionality.

Occupational therapy (OT) comes to the rescue, offering numerous benefits for adults.

What are the greatest advantages of undergoing OT as an adult?

OT combines a variety of mental and physical exercises to allow patients to carry out regular activities, such as walking, eating, and getting dressed. Here’s how adults can benefit from the method:

Greater range of motion (ROM)

OT therapists commonly use helpful techniques called ROM exercises. As the name suggests, these exercises increase a person’s range of motion and decrease pain. The procedure is especially effective for elderly persons with worn-out ligaments, arthritis, or stiff joints.

ROM treatment varies, depending on the affected joints and underlying conditions. In general, they benefit the user by strengthening their muscles while lowering pain in certain areas.

Better vision

In some cases, vision loss can be remedied, and OT is perfect for helping restore eyesight in adults. Similar to physical therapy, OT visual therapy comprises brain and eye exercises to boost vision without surgeries. It can help older people with various eye conditions such as lazy eye, double vision, dizziness, and strabismus.

Initially, the therapists identify whether the harm can be remedied. If so, they administer treatment according to the patients’ needs.

Boosting memory and honing cognitive skills

Brain cell deterioration caused by old age is normal and leads to forgetfulness and dementia in severe cases. OT helps patients sharpen and retain their cognitive skills at different memory loss stages. However, the sooner the procedure starts, the better the outcome. Two of the most common mental exercises are reading books and solving crossword puzzles.

If memory loss has advanced significantly, OT therapists do their best to improve a patient’s quality of life using simplified activities and sensory stimulation. They may also employ royal honey to enhance brain function.

Reducing chronic pain

Chronic pain can be caused by a number of factors, such as traumatic injuries, improperly healed wounds, and nerve damage. But in most cases, it arises due to aging joints and bones. It can be severely debilitating and bring about loss of control over everyday activities.

OT specialists take a managed approach to providing people with an adaptive way of completing their tasks. There are many well-established methods:

• Proactive pain management

• Neuromuscular re-education

• Safe body ergonomics and mechanics

• Communication skills practice

• Pacing activities

OT providers can do a world of good for adults. By helping them cope with pain and strengthen their body, patients can experience a dramatic improvement in their functionality.

If you are looking for occupational or physical therapy, vestibular rehab, wheelchair training, learning to walk, unweighting aquatic therapy, or other services in the Phoenix area, please call Touchstone Rehabilitation at 602-277-1073.