Occupational therapy: essential support for your health

You probably know someone who has already seen an occupational therapist — for a child having difficulties at school, to prevent pain at work, or to support an elderly person losing autonomy. All these situations fall under occupational therapy, a health discipline that plays a key role in both physical rehabilitation and mental health. But this “therapy through occupation” goes far beyond these examples.

Occupational therapy is concerned with what you do every day: your movements, your routines, your activities of daily living. In other words, all those occupations that structure your days and influence your well-being. An occupation is not just an isolated action: it is an activity embedded in a context — who performs it, why, with whom, and in what environment. It is from this understanding that a health professional can propose an assessment and support tailored to each person.

Occupational therapy and the impact of everyday movements

We carry out and organize a multitude of activities every day for ourselves, our family or those around us. Often, it is only when certain limitations appear — physical, cognitive or related to mental health — that these activities take on a new meaning, and this is where the expertise of occupational therapists is valuable.

The pandemic also highlighted how much our routines are tied to our balance and overall health. When it becomes difficult to move, to work, to concentrate or simply to take care of oneself, our whole ability to function can be affected. Usually, we pay little attention to our everyday movements, especially when they are well established. But as soon as an activity requires more effort — whether physical or mental — it becomes a real challenge.

It is precisely in these situations that occupational therapy comes into play. The occupational therapist, as a health professional, intervenes when performing meaningful activities becomes difficult or impossible. They carry out a comprehensive assessment of the person and their environment, taking into account their physical, cognitive and emotional capacities, as well as the constraints or supports present in their living environment. Whether it is pain, fatigue, a cognitive disorder or a need for rehabilitation, the objective remains the same: to help each person regain optimal functioning in their occupations and living environments — whether at home, in clinic or in the workplace.

The benefits of occupational therapy on mental and physical health

Occupational therapy contributes to much more than physical rehabilitation. It also acts deeply on mental health, emotional balance and quality of life, by supporting people in resuming their occupations, at their own pace, according to their context and goals.

Whether it is stress, persistent pain, isolation or difficulties adapting, occupational therapy services make it possible to regain optimal functioning, taking into account each unique situation.

Impact on mental health

Occupational therapy in mental health is aimed at anyone experiencing challenges related to anxiety, depression, loss of bearings or an imbalance in their daily activities.

For example, a person living with ADHD can benefit from concrete strategies to better organize their environment and structure their schedule, which facilitates concentration and the management of priorities. Another person, having recently retired, may receive support to establish new routines and organize their days in order to maintain a satisfying life balance. Occupational therapy can also support people who are on prolonged work leave — or who are preparing a return to work — by helping them gradually adapt to the physical, cognitive and emotional demands of their job.

Through a personalized assessment, the occupational therapist identifies barriers to mental well-being and co-constructs a concrete treatment plan, often in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team.

Here are some beneficial effects observed:

• Reduction of stress and anxiety through effective management strategies

• Energy management and life balance

• Resumption of rewarding activities (studies, employment, leisure) where individuals can benefit from occupational therapy services to facilitate their integration and promote autonomy.

• Structuring a healthy and stable routine — for example, planning days after retirement, a work stoppage or during a gradual resumption of activities.

• Development of functional autonomy in daily life

• Improvement of self-esteem and personal confidence

• Better adaptation in interpersonal relationships and personal and professional environments

These interventions help promote mental health by encouraging a return to a balanced, active and meaningful life.

Impact on physical health

Occupational therapy services also play an essential role in physical rehabilitation, allowing people to regain their functional abilities. They support individuals living with pain, musculoskeletal disorders, functional limitations or a physical health problem in their process of resuming activities.

Benefits may include, among others:

• Reduction of pain related to certain movements or to posture

• Increased energy and endurance in daily tasks

• Adaptation of the workstation or home for greater safety and comfort

• Support for return to work (following an accident or a CNESST-related leave)

• Optimization of mobility and functional abilities

• Prevention of relapses or deterioration of physical condition

The objective is to enable everyone to regain their autonomy in personal, professional and social activities — including in situations of temporary or permanent disability.

https://www.usherbrooke.ca/etudes-medecine/actualites/nouvelles/details/44878

Child, adolescent, adult: an occupational therapy service that adapts to your reality

Occupational therapists work with people of all ages, using a personalized approach that takes into account development, abilities and life context. Whether the challenges relate to motor skills, autonomy or participation in everyday activities, occupational therapy can offer concrete, tailored and compassionate support.

In children, from preschool

The occupational therapist can help determine if a preschool-aged child has a developmental delay, that is, if they are not acquiring certain skills at the same pace as children their age. For example, difficulties dressing, feeding, coloring, playing or exploring their environment can be signs to watch for. An occupational therapy assessment then makes it possible to better understand these challenges and propose an appropriate intervention plan. Difficulties may concern fine motor skills, coordination, sensory perceptions or relationships with others. Through play and daily routines, the occupational therapist supports the child in gaining autonomy and developing their abilities.

With school-age children and adolescents

As they grow, children and adolescents may experience new challenges: difficulty keeping up at school, disorganization, slowness in tasks, stress in the face of changes or social expectations. The occupational therapist will then observe what happens at home, at school or during leisure activities to understand the obstacles to accomplishing activities they consider essential. This may be related to concentration, time management or adapting to the curriculum. The goal is to support the young person in their daily life, working on routine, self-esteem, the environment or learning methods that suit them better. Occupational therapy can also help at important moments, such as the transition to secondary school or the beginnings toward autonomy.

In adults and older adults

Life situations such as illness, a workplace accident, a physical or mental health disorder, or simply aging can disrupt a person's ability to take care of themselves, to work or to get around. The occupational therapist can intervene to support rehabilitation, restore functional abilities or adapt tasks and the environment. Objectives are varied: reduce mental load and regain optimal functioning, better structure one’s environment and time in case of ADHD, organize effectively when returning to work after a prolonged leave, establish new routines after retirement, avoid loss of autonomy, regain confidence and independence after a car accident, facilitate completion of everyday activities or promote daily health.

When to make an appointment with an occupational therapist?

Occupational therapy aims to support people in resuming or maintaining the activities they consider important, regardless of their age or condition. In collaboration with other health professionals, the occupational therapist offers concrete solutions to achieve your everyday goals — taking into account your needs, abilities and environment.

Wondering if it's time to consult? Make an appointment as soon as a difficulty hinders your autonomy, your well-being or your participation in everyday activities — whether at home, at school, at work or in the community. It is not necessary to wait for the situation to worsen: the earlier the intervention begins, the more beneficial it can be.

At Familio, our occupational therapists — members of the Ordre des ergothérapeutes du Québec — work in complementarity with mental health and social services professionals to offer you comprehensive, compassionate support adapted to your reality. Discover our occupational therapy services and see how we can help you to regain your balance and autonomy, at every stage of life, while promoting physical and mental health.

By

Kym Lefebvre Gamache

To learn a little more about occupational therapy

Books

Côté, S. (2019). 150 ergotrucs for the classroom: tips and activities to promote motor, sensory and cognitive development, ages 4 to 10. Montreal: Éditions de l’Hôpital Sainte-Justine.

A practical guide intended for teachers and practitioners who want to adapt their classroom environment to the motor, sensory and cognitive needs of children, with practical strategies inspired by occupational therapy.

Université du Québec à Chicoutimi. (2023). From social sciences to occupational therapy: Researchers' journeys. Québec: Presses de l’Université du Québec.

This collection highlights research trajectories in occupational therapy in Québec, with an interdisciplinary perspective and accessibility for those curious about the field.

Websites

Ordre des ergothérapeutes du Québec. What is occupational therapy?
https://www.oeq.org/m-informer/qu-est-ce-que-l-ergotherapie.html

A clear, official and accessible resource that explains the role of occupational therapists, fields of intervention and reasons to consult, according to age and needs.

Université de Sherbrooke. Occupational therapy: between science and humanity
https://www.usherbrooke.ca/etudes-medecine/actualites/nouvelles/details/44878

A popularization article that highlights occupational therapy as a discipline grounded in science, but deeply human, with concrete and inspiring examples from the field.