The history of Occupational Therapy dates back to the 1700′s when two men, William Tuke and Phillipe Pinel became tired of the way mentally ill patients were morally being treated. These two men believed that if people worked with the mentally ill emotionally, with kindness and understanding, that these people would be able to do more with their daily lives than just exist.
In the year of 1793, Phillipe Pinel begin treatment of the mentally ill. He believed that if man used his energy and time while focused on personal interests, that emotions could be healed. He used music, literature and exercise to relieve stress, which improved patients ability to function with normal daily activities. At this same time, William Tuke founded a center where mentally ill people could retreat to, and helped them to learn many different activities according to the individuals interests and abilities.
In the early 1900′s, Susan Tracy, a nurse, begin using occupational therapy with mentally ill patients. This work became her specialty, and she began teaching student nurses about the positive effects of therapeutic activities.
The National Society for the Promotion of Occupational Therapy (NSPOT) was founded in 1917. When the Great Depression broke out, Occupational Therapy took a turn towards organized medicine, as this treatment began being approached scientifically.
It wasn’t until the years between 1940 and 1960 that physically disabled patients began being treated with Occupational Therapy. This was mainly due to the war, with a multitude of injured soldiers returning with amputations, spinal cord injuries and permanent brain injuries. Occupational Therapist were suddenly in huge demand.
By the time 1947 came around, the federal government realized the importance of Occupational Therapy. Financial assistance was offered to students for school, but training took 4-6 years. This requirement was changed in 1956 to meet the demands of the continued need of therapists. Certified Occupational Therapy Assistance schooling began with less training time.
The 1960′s brought more need for specialized Occupational Therapist. With growing numbers of developmental disabled and physically challenged people, the need for trained OT’s grew rapidly. Medicare began covering costs of occupational therapy in 1965.
The history of Occupational Therapy changed during the 80′s and 90′s as goals of therapy now were more focused on quality of life, prevention and independence of a person.
As this profession has evolved throughout the years, opportunities have increased for OT’s to now work with people with many different health conditions and developmental issues.
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