Questions to Ask an OT (That Actually Work)

Questions to Ask an OT

Get the most from your occupational therapy experience with these essential questions that help you understand your treatment plan, track progress, and achieve your functional goals.

What specific functional goals can we work toward together?

Establishes clear, measurable objectives that are meaningful to your daily life and helps focus the therapy sessions.

How long do you expect my treatment to take?

Sets realistic expectations for the therapy timeline and helps you plan for the commitment required.

What should I expect during a typical therapy session?

Helps you understand the structure and activities involved so you can prepare mentally and physically.

What exercises or activities should I practice at home?

Extends the benefits of therapy beyond sessions and helps you make faster progress toward your goals.

How will we measure my progress?

Clarifies the metrics and methods used to track improvement and helps you see tangible results.

Are there any adaptive equipment or tools that might help me?

Identifies potential aids that can make daily activities easier and more independent.

What should I do if I experience pain during exercises?

Establishes safety guidelines and when to stop or modify activities to prevent injury.

How often should I attend therapy sessions?

Clarifies the recommended frequency to optimize your progress and recovery.

What lifestyle modifications might help with my condition?

Provides broader context for managing your condition beyond therapy sessions.

Can you show me proper techniques for daily activities?

Ensures you're performing activities safely and efficiently to prevent further injury or strain.

What are the most important things I can do to support my recovery?

Helps you prioritize your efforts and focus on the most impactful actions for improvement.

How do I know if I'm doing the exercises correctly?

Ensures you're getting maximum benefit from home exercises and not developing bad habits.

What barriers or challenges do you anticipate in my treatment?

Prepares you for potential obstacles and helps you plan strategies to overcome them.

How can my family or caregivers support my therapy?

Engages your support system and ensures they know how to help with your recovery.

What signs of improvement should I look for?

Helps you recognize progress and stay motivated by identifying meaningful changes.

Are there any activities I should avoid?

Prevents setbacks by clarifying what movements or tasks could hinder your recovery.

How will you modify the treatment plan if I'm not progressing as expected?

Shows their adaptability and commitment to finding approaches that work for you.

Can you explain the connection between my condition and the exercises you're prescribing?

Helps you understand the rationale behind your treatment and increases compliance.

What resources or support groups would you recommend?

Connects you with additional support and information to supplement your therapy.

When should I schedule a follow-up assessment?

Ensures ongoing evaluation and adjustment of your treatment plan as needed.

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Best Practices for Occupational Therapy Sessions

Best Practices

Be Honest About Your Challenges

Share specific difficulties you're experiencing in daily activities. The more your OT knows, the better they can tailor your treatment.

Follow Through with Home Exercises

Therapy only works if you practice between sessions. Consistency is key to achieving your functional goals.

Communicate About Pain or Discomfort

Speak up immediately if something hurts or doesn't feel right. Your OT can modify activities to keep you safe.

Question Sequences

The Goal-Setting and Planning Sequence

What specific functional goals can we work toward together?

How long do you expect my treatment to take?

How will we measure my progress?

The Home Practice and Support Sequence

What exercises or activities should I practice at home?

How do I know if I'm doing the exercises correctly?

How can my family or caregivers support my therapy?

Common Pitfalls

Don't Skip Home Exercises

Progress depends on consistent practice between sessions. Skipping home exercises significantly slows your recovery.

Don't Push Through Pain

Discomfort and pain are different. If something truly hurts, stop and discuss it with your OT rather than powering through.

Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Clarification

If you don't understand something, ask. Your OT wants to ensure you fully understand your treatment plan.

Conversation Templates

The Comprehensive Planning Approach

Step 1: Start with: "What specific functional goals can we work toward together?"

Step 2: Clarify with: "How long do you expect my treatment to take?"

Step 3: Understand with: "What should I expect during a typical therapy session?"

Step 4: Take home with: "What exercises or activities should I practice at home?"

The Progress Tracking Focus

Step 1: Begin with: "How will we measure my progress?"

Step 2: Monitor with: "What signs of improvement should I look for?"

Step 3: Follow up with: "When should I schedule a follow-up assessment?"