Occupational therapy (OT) is a healthcare profession that focuses on helping people of all ages and abilities to participate in daily activities, tasks or "occupations" that are meaningful to them. Occupational therapists work with individuals who may be experiencing physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges that make it difficult for them to perform their daily activities. 

An Integrative approach to OT

OT's play a valuable role in integrative or functional medicine health models through combining traditional occupational therapy with integrative and complementary modalities to provide a more holistic approach to treatment. This approach is designed to focus on the underlying causes of disease and addresses the whole person, not just their symptoms. This includes focusing on: 

1. Lifestyle modifications: provide guidance on lifestyle modifications, including exercise, nutrition, sleep hygiene, energy conservation, time management, breathing, posture and environmental factors that can impact health.  

2. Mind-body interventions: utilise mind-body interventions, such as meditation, relaxation and breathing techniques, yoga and sensory modulation to help clients improve their nervous system regulation, breathing, posture and stress.  

3. Environmental modifications: help clients modify their home or work environment to support their health and wellness goals. They can provide guidance on assistive technologies, equipment, ergonomics, lighting, and other factors to make tasks easier.  

OT’s can work collaboratively with integrative healthcare professionals such as Integrative General Practitioners (GP’s), naturopaths, nutritionists, functional dentistry, body workers, acupuncturists and mental health professionals to support clients to achieve their health and wellness goals.  

Meet your OT, Hayley Bowers.

Hayley is dedicated to supporting adults and teens with chronic health and mental health conditions. Her passion for integrative healthcare drives her to treat the root cause of health issues, helping clients improve their emotional wellbeing, daily functioning, and overall independence.

To learn more about Hayley, click the button below.