At a glance
- Occupational therapy helps people rebuild the skills they need for daily life after an injury, illness or surgery.
- It looks at the whole person, including physical ability, thinking skills, emotional wellbeing and the home or work environment.
- Support can include strengthening exercises, home modifications, assistive equipment and help returning to work or study.
- NDIS participants can access occupational therapy as part of their plan, often with input from a support coordinator.
Occupational therapy supports people to regain independence after illness, injury or surgery. It focuses on the everyday tasks that matter most to each person, whether that’s getting dressed, cooking a meal, returning to work or getting back to a hobby.
What does an occupational therapist actually do during rehabilitation?
An occupational therapist starts by understanding what matters to the person they’re working with. This usually means looking at physical ability, thinking and memory skills, emotional wellbeing, and the home or work environment.
From there, the occupational therapist and the person set goals together. These might be practical things like showering independently, returning to a job, or being able to prepare meals safely.
Rehabilitation support can include:
- Strength, coordination and balance exercises
- Fine motor skill practice, such as hand function for daily tasks
- Strategies for managing pain or fatigue
- Support adjusting to sensory changes after nerve damage or stroke
How does occupational therapy help someone after a stroke or serious injury?
Recovery after a stroke or serious injury often involves more than physical movement. An occupational therapist works on the practical skills needed to get back to daily routines, alongside the thinking and emotional adjustments that come with recovery.
This can include memory and problem solving support, help building confidence, and working through frustration or anxiety that can come up during a long recovery. Establishing a daily routine is often part of this process, since routine can support wellbeing and a sense of progress.
Can NDIS funding cover home modifications or assistive equipment?
Home modifications and assistive equipment can be part of an NDIS plan when they’re linked to a participant’s goals and needs. An occupational therapist can assess the home environment and recommend changes that support safety and independence.
Examples include:
| Support type | What it can involve |
|---|---|
| Home modifications | Grab rails, ramps, adjustable furniture |
| Assistive equipment | Modified cutlery, dressing aids, voice activated devices |
| Technology | Apps and smart home tools that support daily living |
Whether a specific modification or item is funded depends on individual circumstances and plan goals, so this is worth discussing directly with an occupational therapist or support coordinator.
What is the difference between occupational therapy and physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy generally focuses on movement, strength and physical function. Occupational therapy takes a broader view, looking at how physical, thinking and environmental factors all affect a person’s ability to manage everyday life.
In practice, the two often work together. A physiotherapist might help rebuild strength after an injury, while an occupational therapist helps apply that progress to daily tasks like getting to work, managing a household or reconnecting with community activities.
Who is occupational therapy suitable for?
Occupational therapy can support people recovering from a wide range of conditions, including:
- Neurological conditions, such as stroke, traumatic brain injury or Parkinson’s disease
- Musculoskeletal injuries, including fractures and chronic pain conditions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Recovery after surgery, such as joint replacement or amputation
- Chronic health conditions that affect daily function
How do support coordinators refer a participant for occupational therapy?
Support coordinators can refer a participant by contacting the team directly with plan details and the participant’s current goals. From there, the occupational therapy team can confirm how the service fits within the participant’s plan and arrange an initial assessment.
Occupational therapy sessions can be delivered in person or online, depending on what suits the participant and their location.
Frequently asked questions
Does occupational therapy only apply to physical injuries? No. Occupational therapy also supports people managing the thinking, emotional and environmental factors that affect daily life, not just physical recovery.
Is occupational therapy available online? Yes. Occupational therapy can be delivered through online sessions as well as in person, depending on what works best for the participant.
Do I need a diagnosis to access occupational therapy through the NDIS? This depends on individual plan goals and funding categories. It’s best to check with a support coordinator or the occupational therapy provider directly.
Can occupational therapy help with returning to work? Yes. This can include workplace assessments, recommending adjustments, and building skills that support a return to work.
How is progress measured during occupational therapy? Occupational therapists set goals collaboratively with each person and track progress against those individual goals throughout the rehabilitation process.
Want to explore whether occupational therapy for rehabilitation is suitable for your setting?
Contact our friendly team for further information or referral guidance.
