Who can benefit from occupational therapy after an illness or injury?

Occupational therapy is designed for individuals of all ages who face challenges in performing meaningful daily activities—such as self-care, work, or social interaction—due to illness, injury, or disability.12

Therapists work with those who are unable to carry out tasks they need or want to perform, as well as individuals at risk for decreased participation in their daily lives. Beneficiaries include:1

• Individuals with physical or mental health conditions: This includes people recovering from injuries (such as those sustained in motor vehicle accidents), those managing chronic conditions like cerebral palsy, or those experiencing the aftereffects of a stroke.1
• Older adults: Therapists help seniors maintain independence by adapting living environments to minimize risks, such as preventing falls, or by assisting with daily tasks to improve safety and confidence.1
• Workers: Individuals recovering from work-related injuries or illnesses benefit from specialized interventions that modify workspaces and create paced return-to-work schedules to minimize pain and fatigue.13

By analyzing the specific needs of the patient, therapists improve functional skills, adapt activities, or modify environments to enable individuals to live and work as fully as possible.1