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Occupational therapy is a crucial form of therapy provided to adults with physical or intellectual disabilities, developmental delays, sensory issues, mental health conditions, autism and ADHD. It can also help individuals with acquired brain injuries (ABI), adults recovering from strokes, and those with chronic neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis.

Occupational therapy aims to help adults with these conditions develop strategies and goals to effectively manage their conditions, engage in the activities they love, and better equip their homes to support their day-to-day needs. It allows adults with disabilities to live with greater independence and self-determination.

A common area of occupational therapy treatment includes a range of mental health conditions and disorders, particularly those that are chronic and impact patients over many years. These can include, but are not limited to:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD)
• Addiction, such as drugs and alcohol

The approaches taken to address these mental health conditions can differ from patient to patient. The main aim is to help individuals with these conditions better manage their symptoms and develop healthy coping techniques when the symptoms are at their most severe. 

Occupational therapists will also help them engage with others and develop a greater sense of belonging to the broader community. 

There are many physical and mental health conditions and disabilities that can be addressed with occupational therapy. Common examples include:

• Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)
• Intellectual disability
• Physical disability
• Neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis
• Developmental delay
• Sensory issues
• Autism and ADHD
• Mental health conditions, including those mentioned prior - depression, anxiety, PTSD and CPTSD, addiction, etc.
• Chronic conditions, including chronic pain and cancers
• Cognitive decline including Alzheimer’s and dementia
• Stroke

Chronic pain management is one of many areas that occupational therapists can assist with. As with all facets of occupational therapy, the specific treatments will differ between patients. Helping with the management of chronic pain may involve a combination of exercises, coping mechanisms, and environmental modifications.

Chronic pain management is typically a multidisciplinary approach that includes physiotherapy, occupational therapy, GP, psychology, occupational physicians, and exercise physiologists. It isn't usually all of these at once but various combinations. 

An OT's role is to generally provide pain education from a physiological sense as chronic pain is as much psychological as it is physical. Over time, the body generally repairs the physical damage but the nervous system has rewired itself, meaning it continues to feel pain in the absence of injury. 

OTs also focus on stretching and strengthening, working these into daily tasks - they will break down tasks into incremental steps and regularly assess changes while implementing a graded approach. Close communication with our professionals is extremely important, especially with medical professionals when patients have been prescribed strong long-term pain medications.

Overall, OTs can assist in chronic pain management through the following:

• Pain education
• Stretching and strengthening exercises and massage
• Task-specific exercises and breaking the steps down into smaller components
• Graded approach (modifying how activities are performed to make them more manageable)
• Regular assessment and reassessment, adjusting the approach as needed

The core focus of occupational therapy is improving the quality of life of those who seek the services of an OT. We help adults living with disabilities lead fulfilling lives by being meaningfully occupied. The ‘occupational’ refers to functional tasks and activities that patients can perform throughout life that add meaning and purpose.

By providing therapy and assistance that empowers them to do the things they want while maintaining realistic goals, individuals continue to live with purpose. It allows patients to feel more connected to the broader community and to lead lives that are more inclusive.

By assisting them on a mental, emotional, and physical level, occupational therapy can do wonders for a patient’s quality of life.

Occupational therapists can help adults who’ve had a stroke develop the skills and confidence to manage activities that are essential to their health and well-being. 

People who experience a stroke will typically have new physical and mental challenges to navigate, including possible paralysis, memory issues, difficulty speaking, sensory numbness, and vision problems. It can also include emotional symptoms such as depression or anxiety.

Occupational therapy matched with physiotherapy and speech therapy can help facilitate better stroke recovery while also helping patients restructure how they approach the activities they love.

Occupational therapists regularly assist elderly Australians who are living with age-related conditions affecting their physical or mental capacities. This includes loss of balance or reduced coordination, vision or hearing issues, confusion or cognitive decline, etc.

Through occupational therapy, elderly adults can learn important skills and approaches to activities that allow them to continue doing what they love safely. 

In addition to this, occupational therapists can help set up their homes to better cater to an elderly adult’s needs. For example, if they have mobility issues, an occupational therapist can assist in getting the appropriate equipment to help, including shower rails, stair lifts, and wheelchairs.

There’s no definitive timeline for how long adult occupational therapy lasts - this is entirely dependent on the individual and the disabilities or conditions to be addressed. 

For some patients, they may only need assistance from an occupational therapist for a couple of months, whereas other patients could require regular sessions over several months or years. The expected length of treatment is typically easier to measure once an occupational therapist knows what specific assistance a patient needs.

If you need an occupational therapist in Adelaide, Conscious Healthcare SA is here for you. Along with our two clinics located in North and South Adelaide, we provide mobile support in key Adelaide metro areas including Gawler, Aldinga, and Mt Barker. We also provide telehealth (phone or video calls) across the country.

We’re a registered NDIS provider and offer occupational therapy for teenagers, adults, and the elderly. We also have a team of paediatric occupational therapists who can help children.

When engaging with Conscious Healthcare SA for occupational therapy, the first session will be all about discovering what your occupational goals are and mapping out a strategy to achieve them. 

We’ll discuss your disability or condition and present you with different approaches that can be taken to help you gain more independence, better manage your day-to-day life, and feel more confident and engaged with your community. Every patient is unique, so our focus is on ensuring we map out a tailored plan that suits you and your needs.

By the end of your first session, we’ll have all we need to put an occupational therapy plan into action.

To get started with Conscious Healthcare SA, you can Refer & Book, call (08) 8166 4700, or email enquiries@chcsa.com.au today.

Hi, I’m Sona, an Occupational Therapist at Conscious Healthcare SA.

I’m passionate about supporting neurodivergent adults, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), as well as individuals managing mental health conditions, neurological conditions, intellectual disabilities, and physical disabilities. My approach to therapy is built on empathy, collaboration, and evidence-based practices, with a commitment to creating a welcoming, supportive environment that empowers clients to achieve their personal goals.

In our sessions, I prioritise building strong relationships with both clients and their support networks to deeply understand each individual’s unique needs and aspirations. By tailoring person-centred interventions, I aim to help clients enhance their quality of life, build independence, and engage meaningfully in their daily activities.

While I am a junior occupational therapist, my diverse background includes a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of English Literature, equipping me with a broad range of skills that contribute to my holistic approach to care. I am dedicated to lifelong learning and staying up-to-date with the latest research in occupational therapy to ensure high standards of care for each client.

I look forward to working with you on your journey to independence and well-being.

Hi, I’m Emily, an Occupational Therapist at Conscious Healthcare SA.

With over 5 years of experience and a Bachelor’s in Occupational Therapy from the University of South Australia, I’m passionate about helping individuals achieve their goals and live happy, meaningful lives. I offer my services exclusively via telehealth, allowing you to access care from the comfort of your own space. My experience extends beyond Australia—during a volunteer trip to Cambodia, I had the privilege of working with children with disabilities and their families, which deepened my understanding of cross-cultural care and holistic approaches.

As a certified yoga and mindfulness coach, I incorporate mind-body awareness into my practice to support both psychosocial well-being and functional improvements. My client-centered, neurodiverse-affirming approach empowers you to use your strengths and interests to guide our work together. In our relaxed and supportive virtual sessions, we’ll collaborate to make progress toward your goals in a way that feels comfortable and fun.

I specialise in mental health, developmental disabilities, neurological disorders, physical disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and more. My goal is to ensure you feel understood, comfortable, and empowered throughout our telehealth journey together.