Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Wiktionary
n. The therapeutic practice of encouraging better quality of life through the pursuit of work or other occupations.
WordNet
n. physical therapy involving the therapeutic use of crafts and hobbies for the rehabilitation of handicapped or convalescing patients (especially for emotionally disturbed patients)
Wikipedia
Occupational therapy (OT) is the use of assessment and treatment to develop, recover, or maintain the daily living and work skills of people with a physical, mental, or cognitive disorder. Occupational therapists also focus much of their work on identifying and eliminating environmental barriers to independence and participation in daily activities. Occupational therapy is a client-centered practice that places emphasis on the progress towards the client's goals. Occupational therapy interventions focus on adapting the environment, modifying the task, teaching the skill, and educating the client/family in order to increase participation in and performance of daily activities, particularly those that are meaningful to the client. Occupational therapists often work closely with professionals in physical therapy, speech therapy, nursing, social work, and the community.
The term "Occupational therapy" can often be confusing. It carries the misconception that the profession’s focus is on vocational counseling and job training. The word occupation as defined in Webster’s Dictionary is "an activity in which one engages." Occupational therapists promote skill development and independence in all daily activities. For an adult, this may mean looking at the areas of self-care, home-making, leisure, and work. The "occupations" of childhood may include playing in the park with friends, washing hands, going to the bathroom, cutting with scissors, drawing, etc.
Usage examples of "occupational therapy".
Briefer pieces dealt with anticholinergic syndrome in the elderly - old people misdiagnosed as senile because of drug-induced psychosis - the fine points of occupational therapy, the hospital pharmacy, and a new eating disorders programme.
It was a make-work job, it being Lazarus' notion of temporary occupational therapy.
No pattern to the tenant mix: computer consultants, insurance agents, lawyers, an occupational therapy brokerage, a few psychotherapists.
He learned to deafen himself to the therapeutic monotony and perform his occupational therapy mechanically, but he was without resources to withstand the endless solitary hours.
He learned to deafen himself to the therapeutic monotony, and perform his occupational therapy mechanically, but he was without resources to withstand the endless solitary hours.
It was good occupational therapy for his prosthetic hand, at least.
No doubt she had gotten into this tiling orgy due to years of occupational therapy at Kansas City.