Occupational therapies are treatments that enhance overall health and independence. With all the advancements in occupational therapies, there is no reason to struggle in your home environment, workplace, or your own body. Whether it’s yoga therapy in Geelong or investing in some life-changing tech, this article has a list of modern occupational therapies that will help you reach your maximum potential in 2024.
Yoga Therapy
Yoga therapy is not just regular yoga. A yoga therapist will create a tailored experience to treat and manage your health concerns and provide you with a customised home yoga routine to ensure that the therapy fits easily into your everyday life. This therapy uses evidence-based yogic practices and is not limited to stretches and the downward-facing dog. Yogic practices encompass breathing exercises, meditation, and guided imagery to assist with neurological conditions, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, mental health, and recovery from stroke. Research into yoga therapy has shown that 60-minute sessions three times a week, either instructor-led or home-based, are necessary to see positive impacts on health. It is also possible to find Yoga therapy providers registered under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), WorkSafe Victoria, and the Transport Accident Commission (TAC).
Neurofeedback
It is just as important to look after your psychological well-being as your physical well-being. Psychological conditions can be just as debilitating as physical injuries. Physical health issues can impact mental health and vice versa. Traumatic events like motor vehicle accidents can cause psychological and physical injuries. Psychological injuries sustained from traumatic events need addressing as much as any physical injuries. Neurofeedback, also known as EEG biofeedback or Neurotherapy, is a cutting-edge treatment that can help retrain the brain. This advanced technology monitors and records brain waves then uses audio and visual feedback to rebalance your brain. Neurofeedback can assist with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. Additionally, it can help improve reflexes and hand-eye coordination. Keep in mind that an Occupational Therapist will not be able to administer this treatment, but they will be able to refer you to a treatment provider.
Assisted Technology
Assisted technology may not be a new occupational therapy per se, but it is an area that is continually evolving and has come a long way in the last few years. Assistive technology Occupational Therapists can come to your home or workplace and assess your environment. The Occupational Therapist will recommend assistive technologies that will enhance your abilities, increase comfort, give you greater independence and help keep you safe. One such technology is Skyle for iPad. This technology allows users to navigate an iPad using only their eyes! Skyle is great for anybody with physical disabilities and great for people with Cerebral Palsy, ALS, Rett Syndrome, or spinal cord injury. Other fantastic software products such as Jaws or Window-Eyes can assist blind or vision-impaired individuals in the workplace.
Laser Therapy
Another new life-changing technology is laser therapy. Occupational therapeutic lasers use 60-watt high-powered medical lasers that improve the healing time of injuries, reduce pain, decrease swelling and vasodilation. Expect to feel results within 1 - 6 treatments. Laser therapy is ideal for people with damaged neurological tissue, poor circulation, inflammation, muscle spasms, and sports injuries such as tennis elbow and Plantar Fasciitis. The feeling of the laser can be a bit uncomfortable. Anyone who does not do well with discomfort or a little pain should take two paracetamol or ibuprofen 30 minutes before the procedure. The discomfort felt during the laser therapy treatment will only last for the duration of the treatment session. Most laser therapy sessions will only last approximately five minutes, and there will be no lasting pain or discomfort after the treatment.
As you can see, there are a host of new occupational therapy available to assist you with any health or quality of life concerns. You only get one body and one lifetime to care for it. The most valuable thing you can do in 2023 is to pay attention to your body. Sit back, close your eyes and pay attention to what your body is telling you, feel those pain points, and select a modern occupational therapy that is right for you.