People may be familiar with physical therapy, which many are prescribed after suffering a sports-related injury or being injured in an accident. But less may know about occupational therapy, a form of therapy that can help individuals live full, happy lives even if they’re dealing with permanent disabilities or chronic conditions.

The American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc., says that occupational therapy helps people perform daily tasks to reach goals. This can include helping children or adults with disabilities participate fully in work or school. Occupational therapy also may intervene during or after a physical or mental illness so that one can regain lost skills. Occupational therapists tend to focus on treating people 50 who need assistance with a physical, sensory or cognitive disability. OT practitioners address psychological, social and environmental factors that can impact a person’s ability to function.

Even though one may think OTs primarily treat adults, especially aging seniors, this is not the case. The health and wellness resource KidsHealth, from Nemours, indicates that children also benefit. Occupational therapists can work with children after surgery or help those with behavioral problems. OTs also help children recover after suffering traumatic injuries, and can even help kids with developmental delays.

Occupational therapy differs from physical therapy. While physical therapy deals with pain, range of motion, endurance, and strength, among other things, the AOTA notes that OT tries to hone fine motor skills, visual-perception skills and cognitive skills and to lessen sensory-processing deficits. Very often OT is used in conjunction with PT.

Occupational therapy can be a rewarding career with many different opportunities. Therapists work in various settings, including schools, hospitals, rehab facilities, nursing homes, and even in independent practices. In addition, new specialities, such as assisting those with low vision or helping workers adapt to ergonomic tools, enable even more specialized concentrations.

People who think they can benefit from occupational therapy should first consult with a primary care physician or a discharge team from a hospital to find out which OT services may benefit them.