Occupational therapy is a form of therapy that supports people of all ages in improving or regaining their ability to act in everyday life when it is limited by illness, injury or disability.
The main goal of occupational therapy is to promote patients' independence and quality of life. Individual treatment plans are created, tailored to the patient's specific needs and abilities.
Occupational therapists use various methods, such as targeted exercises and activities, provision of assistive devices, adaptation of the environment, and advice and guidance. Therapy can improve motor, cognitive and psychosocial abilities.
Occupational therapy is used for a wide range of conditions, including neurological disorders such as stroke or Parkinson's disease, orthopaedic problems, mental illness and developmental disorders in children.
The term derives from the Greek and roughly means "treatment through work or activity". Through meaningful activity and the achievement of personally significant goals, the aim is to improve patients' ability to act in daily life, their participation in society and their overall quality of life.