What Is Occupational Therapy? 

The American Occupational Therapy Association defines occupational therapy as “the only profession that helps people across the lifespan to do the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of daily activities (occupations). Occupational therapy practitioners enable people of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping them promote health, and prevent—or live better with—injury, illness, or disability.” 

Occupational therapy supports individuals of all ages—helping children with disabilities thrive in school and social settings and assisting seniors in maintaining physical and cognitive well-being.

One example of the ways an OT can improve a patient’s daily function is through adaptations. For instance, if a patient is having trouble feeding themselves, an occupational therapist can help them to make adjustments and adaptations to utensils to make mealtimes easier. This personalized approach makes occupational therapy an essential part of healthcare.

Occupational therapy is also a very common form of treatment for patients recovering from surgery, healing from injuries, or living with chronic conditions that affect their quality of life. 

Some conditions/situations where an OT’s guidance and care can be beneficial are as follows:

What To Expect From Occupational Therapy

If you’re struggling to do everyday activities such as showering, getting out of bed, opening doors, or getting dressed, occupational therapy could be a great option for you. 

Therapy Solutions’s occupational therapy plans include:

• An individual assessment to determine conditions, pain points, abilities, and patient goals.
• Customized activities focused on the improvement of daily tasks and activities.
• A final evaluation to determine if goals were met and to make changes to the plan/create another treatment plan of action if necessary.

Occupational therapy and physical therapy complement each other and can be integrated into care plans to support patients with a wide range of conditions in regaining mobility, improving flexibility and range of motion, and restoring independence in their daily routines.

Hand Injury Prevention 

Many of us are eager to start gardening and enjoying outdoor activities as warmer weather approaches. Gardening is a great way to stay active, but it also carries a risk of injuries like cuts, fractures, sprains, strains, and inflammation. Fear not! There are many things you can do to prevent hand injuries, including:

Spring Cleaning for Mental Health. Declutter Your Mind and Life!

Spring is in the air, and with it comes a new sense of hope and renewal. Winter in North Dakota can be tough with the cold, gloom, and snow. The transition out of the “winter blues” can be an opportunity to make positive changes to your physical and mental health. 

Spring cleaning is not just for your home but can also be for your mind, body, and spirit. To help start the new spring season refreshed, we can declutter some of our old habits and rejuvenate positive endeavors. 

How to Declutter

Prioritize What Matters. Identify what is most important for your well-being—your health, relationships, or personal goals. Writing down your dreams and breaking them into actionable steps can bring clarity and purpose while easing mental clutter. 

Tackle Pending Tasks. Write down lingering projects and schedule time to complete them. Start with small, manageable tasks, like maintaining appointments or tidying up a space. Taking action to reduce stress and mental load. 

Break Bad Habits. Identify habits that negatively impact your mental health and replace them with healthier alternatives. 

Clear Negative Thoughts. Reframe self-doubt and replace negative self-talk with confidence. TIP: Journaling can help release worries, shift perspectives, and declutter your mind. 

Declutter Your Physical Space. Physical clutter can create mental clutter. Start small, clear out a closet or organize a drawer. 

How to Rejuvenate

Move Your Body. Physical health supports mental well-being, even when it feels difficult. Simple activities like stretching or a short walk can boost your mood. 

Nurture Positive Relationships and Habits. Focus on what makes you feel good—supportive friends, enjoyable activities, or healthy habits. 

Renew Your Spirit. Mindfulness, gratitude, and deep breathing help clear negative energy. TIP: Speak gratitude aloud, reflect on what brings you peace, and replace self-criticism with positive affirmations like “I’m doing my best.” 

Embrace Creativity. Creativity thrives with practice and space. TIP: Set aside a dedicated spot, start with a goal in mind, and reconnect with your childlike curiosity. Like a well-tended garden, creativity flourishes with consistent care.

If you would like to talk to someone about how to declutter your life to improve your mental health, contact us at Therapy Solutions and make an appointment with one of our mental health workers, and Take Your Life Back!

Ergonomics Stretch:

Wrist Flexor

-Position hand/palm up.

-Grasp fingers with other hand.

-Keep elbow straight.

-Pull fingers down, as shown.

-Repeat other side.

-Hold for at least 10 seconds.

“Focus on deep prolonged stretches to the inside forearm region, don’t bounce.  If it seems too difficult to hold, start with the elbow slightly bent and then slowly attempt to extend the elbow.”

-Jared Erie OTR/L