CIMT
Occupational Therapy
MOTOR SKILLS FOR EVERYDAY LIFE
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy accompanies and supports patients who are restricted in their ability to act due to their neurological disease. The loss of function caused by illness, disability or age and the associated awareness are physically and often mentally stressful for patients. Occupational therapy takes a holistic approach to help patients regain their ability to act in the best possible way. Occupational therapy distinguishes between three different focuses of therapy: motor skills & coordination, cognitive skills and coping with everyday life.
What can patients expect in occupational therapy?
The occupational therapists at the Kliniken Schmieder develop an individual therapy plan for each patient, in which artistic, manual and mental skills are specifically encouraged and practised. The individual occupational therapy measures are defined and determined together with our patients, considering their limitations. In the individual therapy sessions, the patient practises the same exercises regularly, which allows the patient easy access to relearning everyday skills. The occupational therapy methods are applied in individual and group therapies, as well as in supervised self-training.
Particular attention is paid to activities of daily living (ADL), such as morning hygiene with washing and brushing teeth or getting dressed and eating breakfast. Because if patients are limited in the independent exercise of their everyday skills, this often reduces their quality of life.
Our occupational therapists provide the following support in the therapy units:
- Accompanying and supporting our patients in relearning/learning activities of daily living in the areas of self-care (such as personal hygiene, mobility, organising personal affairs), productivity (such as work, household, school) and leisure time (such as hobbies, social life, recreation)
- Regular evaluation of our patient’s ability to act in the three areas of self-care, productivity and leisure time
- Guidance and support in training our patients in physical, cognitive, emotional and social skills relevant to everyday life
- Selection and production, together with orthopaedic technicians, of individual splints or aids for our patients, testing and practising them, as well as possible adaptations for personal use at home
What are the goals of occupational therapy?
In rehabilitating neurological patients at the Kliniken Schmieder, occupational therapy aims to enable those affected to participate again in daily life and in society. Occupational therapy aims to help patients carry out their everyday tasks with as much independence as possible and thus regain joy in life. When our patients can carry out their activities of daily living independently again, an important goal is achieved because the physical recovery progress, also supported by aids, is accompanied by regained self-confidence and greater emotional stability in our patients.
At Kliniken Schmieder, we have diverse occupational therapy options to choose from in the rehabilitation process, depending on the neurological disease. Find out more about the individual occupational measures.
What is occupational therapy at Kliniken Schmieder and why is it important in neurological rehabilitation?
Occupational therapy helps patients regain the ability to manage everyday activities after a neurological illness or injury. This includes self-care, household tasks, work-related activities, and leisure. In neurological rehabilitation, occupational therapy is essential for restoring independence and improving quality of life.
Who benefits most from occupational therapy?
Occupational therapy is particularly beneficial for patients after stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurological conditions. It also supports people who struggle with fine motor skills, coordination, cognition, or planning daily activities.
What happens during an my occupational therapy session?
Sessions focus on practical, goal-oriented activities that mirror real life. Depending on your individual needs, therapy may include training in dressing, eating, writing, and tool use; improving hand and arm function; cognitive exercises; or adapting movements for daily tasks. Each session is tailored to your abilities and goals.
How does occupational therapy help me become more independent?
Occupational therapy trains the skills you need for daily life and teaches strategies to compensate for limitations. This may involve practising tasks step by step, learning alternative movement patterns, or using assistive devices. The aim is to enable you to manage daily routines as independently and safely as possible.
How long does an occupational herapy session last?
Your individual sessions typically last 30–45 minutes, depending on your physical abilities, treatment plan and rehabilitation phase.
Is occupational therapy only about physical skills?
No. Occupational therapy also addresses cognitive and emotional aspects such as attention, memory, problem-solving, and planning. These functions are crucial for everyday activities and social participation, especially after neurological conditions.
Are therapy plans individualised?
Yes. Occupational therapy at Kliniken Schmieder is always based on an individual assessment. Therapy goals and methods are adapted continuously as the patient progresses, ensuring that treatment remains relevant and effective throughout rehabilitation.
How does occupational therapy fit into the overall rehabilitation programme at Kliniken Schmieder?
Occupational therapy works closely with physiotherapy, gait training, speech therapy, and neuropsychology. While other therapies focus on movement or speech, occupational therapy translates these improvements into practical skills needed for everyday life, helping patients return to active participation.
© 2026 Kliniken Schmieder
