What is OT

Enhancing quality of life

What is Occupational Therapy?

“Occupational therapy is the art and science of enabling engagement in everyday living, through occupation; of enabling people to perform the occupations that foster health and well-being; and of enabling a just and inclusive society so that all people may participate to their potential in the daily occupations of life.” 
–Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists

“The therapeutic use of work, self-care, and play activities to increase development and prevent disability. It may include adaptation of task or environment to achieve maximum independence and to enhance the quality of life.” 
–American Occupational Therapy Association

More Information about OT

happy girl jumping in the air

Highly Trained Specialists

Occupational therapists are highly trained health care professionals.  Occupational therapists use a systematic approach based on research and professional reasoning to help people engage in the occupations or activities of their daily life.  Our Canadian Children’s Therapy, Corvallis Children’s Therapy and Online Children’s Therapy practices are research informed, evidence-based practices.

Practice Settings

Occupational therapists work in community agencies, health care organizations, hospitals, care facilities, rehabilitation clinics, schools, social agencies and private practices.  Canadian Children’s Therapy, Corvallis Children’s Therapy and Online Children’s Therapy meet clients in a variety of settings, including by telehealth.

Scope of Practice

Scope of practice for occupational therapy is determined by state or provincial laws. Please contact your local government agency for rules in your jurisdiction.

Healthcare Team Members

OTs are Team Players with:

Two Types of Therapy

Comparison of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy

Physical and Occupational therapists often work side by side with significant overlap in the therapies provided.  Here are some general differences in focus:

Occupational Therapy

  • Upper extremity
  • Fine motor skills
  • Functional activities
  • Independence goals
  • Adaptive equipment 
  • Splints
  • Holistic
  • Early Intervention Certification 

Physiotherapy

  • Lower extremity
  • Gross motor skills
  • Exercises & modalities
  • Strength & range of motion goals
  • Mobility & Transfers
  • Orthotics
  • Medical Specialty Aligned