What is Occupational Therapy and How Can It Help You?
If you’ve recently been advised to access OT services, you might find yourself asking, “What is occupational therapy”?
Occupational therapy (OT) is a specialised healthcare service designed to support individuals of all ages in achieving greater independence and improving their ability to perform daily tasks. Whether it’s a child struggling with fine motor skills, an adult recovering from an injury, or an NDIS participant seeking ongoing support, occupational therapists help people build the skills they need to live life to the fullest.
At Therapy Pro, our NDIS occupational therapy services focus on empowering individuals by addressing physical, cognitive, sensory, and emotional challenges that impact their daily lives.
How Does OT Work?
Occupational therapy is a client-centered approach that begins with an in-depth assessment. An occupational therapist evaluates an individual’s abilities, goals, and challenges before developing a tailored intervention plan.
Depending on the person’s needs, therapy may focus on:
- Fine and gross motor skills – Improving coordination, strength, and movement to enhance daily activities such as dressing, writing, or cooking.
- Sensory processing support – Helping individuals who may be oversensitive or under-sensitive to sensory input, improving comfort in different environments.
- Cognitive and memory skills – Supporting individuals with attention, problem-solving, and memory strategies to improve independent living.
- Assistive technology and equipment prescription – Recommending and training clients in the use of mobility aids (like finding the right wheelchair), modified utensils, and adaptive tools.
- Daily living skills – Helping individuals develop skills for self-care, work, education, and leisure activities.
Who Can Benefit from Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy supports a wide range of individuals, including:
- Children with developmental delays or disabilities – OT helps children develop essential skills for school and play, including handwriting, social interaction, and sensory regulation.
- Adults recovering from injury or illness – OT assists in regaining function and independence after an accident, stroke, or surgery.
- NDIS participants – Many individuals living with disabilities receive funding for OT, allowing them to access personalized support to enhance their quality of life.
- Older adults – OT helps seniors maintain independence, improve mobility, and manage conditions like arthritis or dementia.
How Occupational Therapy Supports NDIS Participants
For individuals accessing the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), occupational therapy plays a crucial role in building skills for greater independence. Therapy Pro’s OT services help participants work towards their NDIS goals, whether it’s improving mobility, increasing community participation, or developing life skills.
Our Therapy Pro therapists provide mobile services, visiting clients at home, school, or in the community to ensure therapy fits into everyday life.
How to Access The OT Services You Need
If you or a loved one could benefit from occupational therapy, getting started is simple.
Therapy Pro offers flexible, mobile-based therapy services across Brisbane, OT services in Sydney, therapy in Melbourne, as well as telehealth options. Our experienced therapists work with NDIS participants, private clients, and aged care residents, ensuring personalized support tailored to each person’s needs.
To learn more about how occupational therapy can support you or your family, visit our NDIS occupational therapy page or contact us today using the form below.
About the Author
Ainslee W | Acting Head of Occupational Therapy & Senior Occupational Therapist
Ainslee is a highly experienced Occupational Therapist and the Acting Head of Occupational Therapy at Therapy Pro. With a deep passion for helping individuals build independence, confidence, and essential life skills, Ainslee has worked across various settings, including homes, schools, and community-based therapy environments.
With a client-centered and evidence-based approach, Ainslee supports individuals of all ages to achieve their personal goals, whether it’s improving fine motor skills, enhancing sensory processing, or developing functional daily living skills. She is dedicated to empowering clients with the tools they need to thrive in their everyday lives.
At Therapy Pro, Ainslee leads a team of skilled OTs, ensuring the highest quality of therapy services and mentoring the next generation of occupational therapists.
Learn more about Ainslee and her approach to occupational therapy here.
