After illness, injury, or surgery, a patient may
need the services of an occupational therapist.
OT's are rehabilitation team members with very
specialized training. They work with patients
in three main performance areas: these are
the daily activity areas:

• Self Care (ADL's) and Home Management (IADL's)
• Work/School (Productive Activities)
• Play and Leisure (Recreational Activities)

An OT also works patients in three main areas selected
to their condition

• Sensory Motor (Muscles, Nerves)
• Cognitive
• Psychosocial (Psychological)

In an outpatient clinic, OT's work in improving a patient's ability to perform self care and home management
by working in the sensory motor area. OT's help patients
with deficits and problems in the other areas, as well
to restore function. Occupational therapy enables
patients to perform daily tasks and activities.