Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists work with patients at all stages of rehabilitation
The primary goal of occupational therapy is to build occupationally-relevant motor and cognitive capabilities and to help patients learn to carry out activities of daily life (often referred to as “ADL” training, this includes tasks such as maintaining personal hygiene and dressing). This is accomplished through functional practice drills designed to develop fine motor skills of the hands or improve sensory perception, as well as to positively influence disruptions in action or movement sequences. Particular attention is paid to the use of repetitive symptom- and task-oriented training strategies. The discipline employs modern, scientifically proven therapies that are based on sound neurophysiological principles, such as:
- Use of mirrors for self-training
- Impairment-orientated therapy (IOT)
- Constraint-Induced Therapy (CIT)
- Therapies employing devices such as the Bi-manu-Track® or the ARMEO®
Computer-assisted Rehabilitation Programmes
Patients also practice using everyday objects (typewriter, PC, cooking range, coffee machine, etc.). An additional goal of the occupational therapist is to work in concert with neuropsychologists in improving cognitive functions. Computer-assisted cognitive rehabilitation strategies fit into this category.
The occupational therapy department at the Neurology Centre offers a wood and metal workshop and the opportunity to receive PC training. This allows for training and testing physical and cognitive skills in a real-world work environment (stress testing, occupational re-adaptation). The patient’s education and work history are considered in the selection of training content and in subsequent evaluation of his or her capabilities. The training kitchen is used both for occupational therapy and for diet and nutrition counselling.
