Occupational therapy 

Occupational therapy aims to promote people’s health and wellbeing through their everyday activities. The College of Occupational Therapists describes it as a way of enabling people to "achieve as much as they can for themselves and get the most out of life".

An occupational therapist can identify problem areas that patients may have in their everyday lives, such as dressing or getting to the shops, and will help them to work out practical solutions.

By using techniques to improve someone’s ability or by changing the environment or equipment they are using, an occupational therapist allows that person to regain or improve their independence.

Find out more about Accessing occupational therapy.

Who can benefit from occupational therapy?

Occupational therapy is used when someone is having difficulty with everyday tasks. This could be because of a:

• physical disability – for example, someone who uses a wheelchair
• learning disability – for example, someone with an autistic spectrum disorder
• mental health condition – for example, bipolar disorder
• medical condition – for example, rheumatoid arthritis 

Occupational therapists work with people of all ages, and can look at all aspects of daily life, from the home to the school or workplace.

Find out more about When it is used.

Occupational therapy techniques

Occupational therapists identify the activities that are causing difficulties. They then help by doing one of the following:

• teaching a different way to complete the activity
• recommending changes that will make the activity easier

For example, after a hip replacement someone may find it difficult to get in and out of the bath. Grab rails could be fitted in the bathroom to make this easier.

Someone with rheumatoid arthritis (a condition that causes pain and swelling in the joints) may find it hard to lift small objects. Special equipment may be available to make tasks easier, such as a wide-handled vegetable peeler.  

If someone is feeling anxious or stressed as a result of their difficulties, their occupational therapist may recommend a course of relaxation. For example, slow breathing techniques or tensing and relaxing certain muscles may help someone feel calm. See Live Well – Relaxation tips for stress for more information.

By making these changes, people are able to carry out everyday activities despite their condition or disability.