In
this Section:
Other
Sections:
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Dealing with Amputations:
Occupational Therapy
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Intro | Functional | Psychological|
Conclusion |
Introduction
Occupational therapy is
a type of medical care that helps people with disabilities achieve independence.
Occupational therapy has provided children with fun and effective activities
to build up motor skills and most importantly, self-esteem. According
to the American Occupational
Therapy Association, “Occupational therapy is skilled treatment
that helps individuals achieve independence in all facets of their lives.
Occupational therapy assists people in developing the "skills for
the job of living necessary for independent and satisfying lives."
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Functional Therapy
Occupational therapists work with all different types of patients with
different needs. Some work with people that have developmental delays.
For instance, an occupational therapist might teach a developmentally
delayed person how to get dressed, brush their teeth, feed themselves,
and even how to tie his or her shoes. This is called functional therapy.
Functional therapy focuses on helping patients complete everyday tasks
independently. This type of therapy also benefits amputees. Functional
therapists teach amputees with prosthetics how to use the devices and
how to adjust to the device. The therapist might teach the amputee how
to perform specific tasks using the prosthetic. An occupational therapist
might also suggest some types of activities to strengthen patients’
muscles. For instance, a boy might learn how to throw a ball to regain
arm muscle.
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Psychological Therapy
Occupational therapists also work with patients that have emotional problems.
This type of therapy is known as psychological therapy. For patients with
permanent disabilities, psychological therapy plays a very critical role.
A patient that has lost a limb learns through this type of therapy that
they are able to take on tasks despite their disability. With every new
task the patient learns, they gain confidence. Psychological therapy also
helps patients get along with other people. The therapists come up with
activities that help the patients gain confidence and build relationships
with others. Amputees may have negative self-image issues that can be
handled with a psychological therapy.
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Conclusion
Over the years occupational therapy has provided people of all ages with
effective activities that help build their self-esteem. Patients with
different disabilities have been able to achieve independence and improve
their motor skills. Occupational therapy has been an excellent tool for
disabled people to take advantage of in order to regain confidence and
independence.
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