What kinds of problems does occupational therapy treat?
Occupational therapy treats any physical or mental problem that interferes with a person’s ability to perform activities of daily living. Therapy can be provided for anyone from young children to older adults. Some typical injuries or illnesses are: • heart disease and breathing problems that cause fatigue • paralysis or weakened muscles, such as from spinal cord injury or stroke • injury to a hand • depression or other mental health problems • injury or disease in joints or bones that limits movement • cognitive impairments that make it difficult to pay attention or think through the steps of tasks A person can have trouble with many ADLs. Occupational therapy can address any task that a person needs to do to take care of himself or herself. Tasks can involve personal care, the household, or personal business. Personal care tasks include bathing, washing hair, applying make-up, shaving, getting dressed, eating, and using the toilet. Household ADLs include fixing meals, making a shoppi
