Title: The Role of Occupational Therapy for Rehabilitation of the Upper Extremity - AOTA
Headings: The Role of Occupational Therapy for Rehabilitation of the Upper Extremity
The Role of Occupational Therapy for Rehabilitation of the Upper Extremity
Benefits of Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy Assessments and Evaluations
Conclusion
Reference

Content: Occupational therapy professionals receive a strong educational component in psychosocial development and pathology. This provides the basis for understanding the impact of upper extremity dysfunction on key daily activities and roles. Course work in mental health gives occupational therapists the skills to evaluate clients’ psychosocial and emotional needs, modify the treatment approach to facilitate compliance with the rehabilitation program, and promote the best outcome possible. Because of the holistic, client centered approach of occupational therapy, clients are met at their current level of function. Through activity analysis, the occupational therapist is able to address each client’s priorities, along with his or her pathologies, with activity modifications and compensatory techniques to facilitate performing at his or her greatest level of independence from the start, and at every step of the rehabilitation process. This independence encourages integration of the affected upper extremity as soon as possible, thereby making the journey to maximal function seamless. Occupational Therapy Assessments and Evaluations
Occupational therapy assessments and evaluations reflect a client-centered, comprehensive approach. They include not only musculoskeletal (e.g., muscle strength, range of motion); sensory; cognitive or perceptual (if indicated);