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.
1What specific functional goals can we work toward together?
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What specific functional goals can we work toward together?
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Why this works
Establishes clear, measurable objectives that are meaningful to your daily life and helps focus the therapy sessions.
2How long do you expect my treatment to take?
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How long do you expect my treatment to take?
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Why this works
Sets realistic expectations for the therapy timeline and helps you plan for the commitment required.
3What should I expect during a typical therapy session?
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What should I expect during a typical therapy session?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the structure and activities involved so you can prepare mentally and physically.
4What exercises or activities should I practice at home?
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What exercises or activities should I practice at home?
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Why this works
Extends the benefits of therapy beyond sessions and helps you make faster progress toward your goals.
5How will we measure my progress?
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How will we measure my progress?
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Why this works
Clarifies the metrics and methods used to track improvement and helps you see tangible results.
6Are there any adaptive equipment or tools that might help me?
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Are there any adaptive equipment or tools that might help me?
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Why this works
Identifies potential aids that can make daily activities easier and more independent.
7What should I do if I experience pain during exercises?
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What should I do if I experience pain during exercises?
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Why this works
Establishes safety guidelines and when to stop or modify activities to prevent injury.
8How often should I attend therapy sessions?
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How often should I attend therapy sessions?
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Why this works
Clarifies the recommended frequency to optimize your progress and recovery.
9What lifestyle modifications might help with my condition?
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What lifestyle modifications might help with my condition?
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Why this works
Provides broader context for managing your condition beyond therapy sessions.
10Can you show me proper techniques for daily activities?
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Can you show me proper techniques for daily activities?
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Why this works
Ensures you're performing activities safely and efficiently to prevent further injury or strain.
11What are the most important things I can do to support my recovery?
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What are the most important things I can do to support my recovery?
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Why this works
Helps you prioritize your efforts and focus on the most impactful actions for improvement.
12How do I know if I'm doing the exercises correctly?
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How do I know if I'm doing the exercises correctly?
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Why this works
Ensures you're getting maximum benefit from home exercises and not developing bad habits.
13What barriers or challenges do you anticipate in my treatment?
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What barriers or challenges do you anticipate in my treatment?
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Why this works
Prepares you for potential obstacles and helps you plan strategies to overcome them.
14How can my family or caregivers support my therapy?
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How can my family or caregivers support my therapy?
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Why this works
Engages your support system and ensures they know how to help with your recovery.
15What signs of improvement should I look for?
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What signs of improvement should I look for?
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Why this works
Helps you recognize progress and stay motivated by identifying meaningful changes.
16Are there any activities I should avoid?
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Are there any activities I should avoid?
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Why this works
Prevents setbacks by clarifying what movements or tasks could hinder your recovery.
17How will you modify the treatment plan if I'm not progressing as expected?
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How will you modify the treatment plan if I'm not progressing as expected?
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Why this works
Shows their adaptability and commitment to finding approaches that work for you.
18Can you explain the connection between my condition and the exercises you're prescribing?
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Can you explain the connection between my condition and the exercises you're prescribing?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the rationale behind your treatment and increases compliance.
19What resources or support groups would you recommend?
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What resources or support groups would you recommend?
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Why this works
Connects you with additional support and information to supplement your therapy.
20When should I schedule a follow-up assessment?
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When should I schedule a follow-up assessment?
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Why this works
Ensures ongoing evaluation and adjustment of your treatment plan as needed.
Best Practices for Occupational Therapy Sessions
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
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
The Home Practice and Support Sequence
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.