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Physiotherapists and occupational therapists are often confused. The word ‘occupation’ in occupational therapists is also easily misunderstood to mean ‘work’ only. This article will walk you through what is an occupational therapist, how it differs from a physiotherapist, the costs and where to find them in Hong Kong.
Occupational therapist uses meaningful activities and innovative therapies to help patients with various diseases prevent, reduce and overcome disabilities. Occupational therapists work with patients to help them return to their roles in family, work and community so they can live independently and meaningfully.
‘Occupation’ in occupational therapy refers to important, purposeful, and meaningful activities that occupy one's time—which can also be referred to as ‘functions’. Thus, occupations include personal self-care, various daily activities, working, studying, playing, leisure activities, socializing, and sleeping. Therefore, occupational therapists treat patients of ages ranging from infants to the elderly, and the scope of treatment involves physical dysfunction, mental dysfunction and developmental dysfunction.
Physiotherapists mainly focus on the treatment of muscles and bones, heart and lungs, and nerves. They can enhance muscle strength through exercise, and use different medical devices to relieve pain, assist patients in rehabilitation, and prevent diseases.
Occupational therapists mainly help people with physical, psychological, learning disorders or other disabilities, or those with aging physical functions, providing them with targeted training and environmental modification to improve their skills and quality of life, with the aim of allowing patients to resume normal activity.
Occupational therapists contribute in the following speciality areas to serve different client groups:
Fields | Treatment Modalities | Treatment Modalities |
Paediatric | Learning difficulties, mentally retarded, developmental disorders | Sensory integration, hand-writing training |
Physical | Orthopedics, Cardo-Pulmonary, burns | Splints, pressure therapy, self-care training |
Geriatric | Stroke, dementia, Parkinson's disease | Reminiscence therapy, reality orientation |
Psychiatric | Mood disorder, psychosis, substance abuse | Cognitive-behavioral therapy, social skills training |
Cognitive | Traumatic brain injury | Memory, attention, sensory perception training |
Vocational | Low back pain, cumulative traumatic diseases | Ergonomics, simulated work training |
Environmental Issues | All clients listed above | Home modification, adaptive device prescription |
Source: PolyU
List of Occupational Therapists in Hong Kong
Allied Health Clinics (Occupational Therapy (General)) are available in 25 public hospitals while Allied Health Clinics (Occupational Therapy (Psychiatric)) are available in 11 public hospitals in Hong Kong.
Centres
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Details
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Excel Rehabilitation Centre Limited | Address: Room 916, 9/F, 264-298 Castle Peak Road, Tsuen Wan, New Territories Tel: 2416 7898 |
Healing Hands Rehabilitation & Wellness Centre Limited | Address: Room 1002, Hip Kwan Commerical Building, 38 Pitt Street, Yau Ma Tei Tel: 9338 0892 |
International Occupational Therapy Centre | Address: 4C, Yick Fung Building, 94- 96 Des Voeux Rd West, Hong Kong Tel: 6620 8803 |
Lotus Rehabilitation Services Limited | Address: Workshop No.3, 5/F, Mega Trade Centre, 1-6 Mei Wan Street, Tsuen Wan, New Territories |
Outreach Therapy and Nursing Services Ltd. | Address: Suite 1403A, 14/F, Champion Building, 301- 309 Nathan Road, Jordan, KLN Tel: 9256 8479 |
Prestige Integrated Therapy Centre | Address: 1404A, 14/F, Champion Building, 301-309 Nathan Road, Jordan, Kowloon Tel: 2384 6618 |
Quality Therapy and Education Centre | Address: 22/F, Ka Nin Wah Commercial Building, 423- 425 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Tel: 81031882 / 81036882 / 96241505 |
Wisdom Bridge Child Development Ltd | Address: 5/ F, Shun Wah Building, 735 Nathan Road, Mongkok, Kowloon, Hong Kong (press 4 in lift) Tel: 2396 2311 |
You can find the list of private occupational therapy practitioners published by the Hong Kong Occupational Therapy Association here.
Public sector fees: For eligible HKID-holders, the price is HK$135 for the first attendance, $80 per subsequent attendance and $15 per drug item.
Private Sector Fees: According to our research, the consultation fees for occupational therapy services range from HK$300 to HK$2,000. Remember to pay attention to the types of services provided by different therapists.
Occupational therapy is usually not covered by health insurance. When it is covered, it’s usually under high-end medical plans and subject to a sub-limit and/or pre-authorization by the insurer. Most often occupational therapy is covered under outpatient benefits following an accident or sudden illness. In rare instances, it may cover services for children diagnosed with developmental delay. Contact an Alea advisor to learn more.
Occupational therapists mainly help people with physical, psychological, learning or other disabilities, or those with aging physical functions, providing them with targeted training and environmental modification to improve their life skills and quality, with the goal of restoring the patient to normal activity.
Occupational therapy includes sensory integration, hand-writing training, splints, pressure therapy, and self-care training.
Physiotherapists mainly focus on relieving pain, assisting patients in rehabilitation and preventing diseases. Occupational therapists mainly meet the various needs of patients in their lives, so that they can live independent and meaningful lives.
This article was independently written by Healthy Matters and is not sponsored. It is informative only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be relied upon for specific medical advice.
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