Certified occupational therapist Jennifer Krzastek takes exception to popular references to her industry that clearly misrepresent the work she and her peers do, The News Leader reports.
"They'll show someone clearly receiving occupational therapy and then say it's physical therapy," Krzastek told the publication. "I get so frustrated when I see that."
Krzastek, who works in Fishersville, Virginia, said the work she performs assists with "skills in the job of living." Her work helps people with physical, mental or developmental issues, which aids her clients' independence and involvement in everyday life.
Occupational therapists' patients typically are recovering from a physical injury or they are suffering from a neurological disability. Those with occupational therapy jobs often work on surmounting developmental delays like cerebral palsy and autism.
The work that occupational therapists encourage is eating, writing, getting dressed and preparing food. They also aid with encouraging motion, motor skills and visual perception, as well as additional tasks that patients hopefully will be able to pick up for themselves.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, each of the 50 U.S. states regulates occupational therapists yet requirements differ according to those states.