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Occupational Therapist  

Definition of Occupation

Helps clients whose functioning is temporarily or permanently impaired to develop, recover or maintain skills necessary for self-care, work, resumption of desired roles and enjoyment of leisure. Uses planned, purposeful, therapeutic activities, special equipment and environmental modification to help clients achieve maximum physical, emotional and social independence. Clients' impairments may be due to physical illness/injury, developmental disabilities, mental illness, learning disabilities or emotional/social problems.

DO NOT CONFUSE with Physical Therapist, who concentrates primarily on restoring physical function through use of exercise and therapies such as heat and electrical stimulation of muscles.