Industrial RehabilitationA Natural Environment for Occupational Therapy Practitioners

The trend in developing return-to-work services and/or injury-prevention education programs has become a focus in marry hospital-based rehabilitation programs and physical therapy private practices during the past decade. Occupational therapy practitioners are well prepared for contributing to these programs. One of the three areas of occupational performance defined in the occupational therapy literature is "work". Facilitating maximum independence, preventing further disability, and promoting health are areas occupational therapy practitioners always consider, regardless of the injury or illness. This article discusses industrial rehabilitation programs and the role of occupational therapy practitioners participating in such programs.