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The occupational therapist's role is
to improve patients' ability to perform daily tasks,
to help them adapt to disruptions in lifestyle and prevent
loss of function. Principles of energy conservation
and joint protection, as well as techniques for stress
management, are taught to minimize fatigue, reduce stress
on joints, reduce pain and increase performance in the
activities of daily living.
Occupational therapy intervention may include remediation
and restoration of performance abilities that are limited
due to impairment in biological, physiological and psychological
processes. Clients are trained in alternative methods
and the use of adaptive equipment for performance in
daily self-care, work, school or leisure and recreational
tasks. Emphasis is placed on evaluating the client within
the context of their home, work or school setting so
as to provide interventions that will enhance their
capabilities. Adaptation of environments and processes
include the application of ergonomics principles especially
for clients with sedentary lifestyle is emphasized to
enhance performance and safety in daily life roles.
With stress on health promotion, strategies and practices
are also taught to ensure autonomy over one's condition.
As our society becomes aware of the paradigms in preventive
health, with a focus of health as opposed to disease,
health promotion principles through public consultations/
talks are actively advocated.
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