Occupational therapy is a profession within the healthcare field that specializes in rehabilitation and returning to daily functioning.
The treatment in occupational therapy begins with the detection of the illness and continues throughout all stages of oncological treatments, adapting to the changing needs even during the healing phase.
Areas of treatment:
1. Cognitive Therapy: During the illness, there may be difficulties in areas such as attention and memory, planning, and organizing daily activities. Occupational therapy conducts a comprehensive assessment of the cognitive status and teaches strategies to improve thinking processes and promote functioning.
2. Motor Therapy: Following the illness and treatments, there may be difficulties in range of motion, decreased strength, and fine motor skills. This therapy focuses on improving these difficulties through exercises and specialized equipment.
3. Sensory Therapy: Many patients report numbness and tingling sensations in their hands and feet. Occupational therapy provides solutions to reduce and prevent these sensations.
4. Functional Therapy: Preserving functionality during treatments and returning to routines after completing them can be challenging for many individuals. Occupational therapy focuses on finding a balance between work, physical activity, rest, and sleep during oncological treatments, as well as implementing different strategies for regaining function, returning to work, and facing life's challenges after recovery.