Lothian Occupational Therapy LTD

06/11/2025

The benefits of OT!

Occupational therapy reduces health inequalities and helps people stay well and
connected. By preventing crises, easing pressure on services and making better
use of resources, OTs help build a fairer, more sustainable system.

Find out more:
www.eastlothian.gov.uk/info/210678/rehabilitation_service/12223/occupational_therapy

rcot.co.uk/RightTimeOT

02/11/2025

Safety first!!

Checking that your health professional is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) is crucial for public safety because it confirms they have the necessary skills, knowledge, and character to practice safely and effectively. Registration ensures they meet the professional standards set by the HCPC, that their professional title is protected by law, and that they are "fit to practice," meaning they are capable of performing their duties competently and without putting patients at risk.

You can check if your therapist is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council here:

Online Register to find a paramedic, chiropodist, podiatrist, physiotherapist, psychologist, occupational therapist, dietitian

27/10/2025

Today is World Occupational Therapy Day.

Here I am taking a little "me" time in an ice bath! Day to day life is a constant and for some it is so much harder, trying to function with an injury or a disability, maintain your roles, duties and find time for you.

I help individuals reorganise, restructure and regain function, overcoming physical and psychological barriers along the way. Using an occupationally focused lens, in other words, doing is better than not doing. We set goals and adapt you, your thoughts and your environment to function.

Happy World Occupational Therapy Day, OT is awesome, YOU are awesome, FUNCTIONING is awesome!

19/10/2025

So grateful for feedback. Here's a lovely comment I received recently: "Thank you for your time, patience and understanding, your skills in helping me return to getting around the house and feeling more confident and reducing my fear of falling has really helped me"

13/10/2025

Children with DCD, become adults with DCD, understanding it is so important!

"Therapy helps, but is hard to access. Most families had sought therapy, with occupational therapy proving transformative for some."

Https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/what-is-dyspraxia-dcd-meaning-symptoms-adhd-b2831003.html?fbclid=Iwb21leANaT81jbGNrA1pPGmV4dG4DYWVtAjExAAEeifaauH_0ArqvYSrkMmer_2n-d33fJCd9YdPmIyJE0zmrAcPYZwiRe1s-Cww_aem_ZUYXpBOSlTlRFFLU7zMtFw

New findings reveal how deeply developmental coordination disorder is impacting the lives of around 5 per cent of UK children

07/10/2025

Oh lordy, the frustration at getting an email from the Headteacher at school saying a child would need to see occupational health, when you know they mean occupational therapy.

The difference is clear:

Occupational Health - work related factors
Occupational Therapy - anything you do that is occupying, from tying your shoe laces, making your tea, catching a bus AND your job!

03/10/2025

At Lothian Occupational Therapy we specialise in helping individuals improve and regain functional independence. Our expertise in goal setting and managing and addressing conditions can make a significant difference in the lives of clients.

In practice, we work closely with individuals experiencing dysfunction through disability and reduced physical ability. Our focus includes developing personalised treatment plans, implementing therapeutic interventions, and providing education and support.

Some strategies employed include:

Goal setting: assessing and analysing where difficulties lie and setting your own aims and goals for a fulfilling life.

Pain Management: Assessing and addressing the underlying causes of pain, developing pain management strategies, and implementing techniques such as occupation therapy, physical modalities, and relaxation techniques.

Sensory assessment: Profiling sensory experiences and analysing sensory preferences to overcome obstacles.

Activity and Exercise Prescription: Designing tailored therapy programs to improve balance, strength, flexibility, and endurance, taking into account individual abilities, limitations, and goals.

Adaptive Equipment and Assistive Devices: Identifying and recommending assistive devices, such as mobility aids or ergonomic tools, to facilitate independent functioning and reduce the risk of further injury or fatigue.

Environmental Modifications: Assessing and modifying home or work environments to ensure safety, accessibility, and optimal energy conservation.

Education and Self-Management: Providing information on condition specific management techniques, energy conservation strategies, coping skills, and promoting self-care practices to empower individuals to take an active role in their own well-being.

Psychosocial Support: Addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of living with reduced occupational performance, and providing counselling or referring patients to other mental health professionals if needed.

As an occupational therapist, collaboration with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians, physiotherapists, psychologists, and social workers, is crucial for holistic care and interdisciplinary approaches.

Our expertise is invaluable in helping individuals overcome challenges, improve their functional abilities, and enhance their overall quality of life.

16/09/2025

ADHD symptoms can be a massive barrier to getting into and sustaining a work life balance. Here I've pulled together some information to help:

Legal protections & rights

1. **Equality Act 2010**
ADHD is usually considered a disability (if it has a substantial and long-term effect on daily activities). Under the Equality Act, employers must make *reasonable adjustments* so that a disabled person is not at a substantial disadvantage in the workplace.

2. **Reasonable Adjustments**
These might include things like:

* flexible working patterns
* quieter or less distracting workspace
* use of organisational tools, reminders
* different ways of giving instructions or structuring tasks
* adjustments in supervision or feedback frequency

3. **Access to Work (UK-wide)**
A scheme run by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). If ADHD is affecting your ability to do your job (or you are about to return/start work), you can apply for an Access to Work grant. This can cover funding for:

* equipment and software
* support workers or coaches
* special transport or adjustments to your workplace

It doesn’t matter if you’re employed, about to be employed, or self-employed. There are eligibility criteria, but ADHD generally qualifies.

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Scotland-specific support

1. **Fair Start Scotland**
This is a devolved service in Scotland, voluntary, aimed at helping people who have barriers (health, disability, etc.) into work and to sustain employment. It provides pre-employment support (finding work, training) as well as *in-work support* (help during employment) for up to 12 months.

2. **Supported Employment Services**

* Organisations like the Scottish Union of Supported Employment (SUSE) help people with disabilities into work. SUSE work with jobseekers and employers to provide supported employment.
* Also “Ready, Willing and Able” delivered by SeeAbility works in Scotland to support people with learning disabilities, autistic people, etc. While its main focus may be those groups, there may be overlap or similar models for people with ADHD depending on their support needs.

3. **Organisations & Advice Lines**
You can get guidance from:

* Disability Information Scotland.
* Advicelocal UK which can point you to local advice on employment, disability rights etc.
* Lead Scotland for learning & disability support services. While they’re more focused on learning disabilities, they may have useful links.

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Practical steps to returning to work

Here are some things you might do to make your transition smoother:

* Get a medical assessment / diagnosis if you don’t already have one, to help define what support you need (though you don’t always need a formal diagnosis to request adjustments).
* Think about what adjustments would help you — e.g. schedule flexibility, a quiet space, regular check-ins, task breakdowns etc.
* When you feel ready, disclose (to someone appropriate in the workplace, like HR or your manager) that you have ADHD and ask for reasonable adjustments.
* Apply for Access to Work to get funding for what you need.
* Use support services (like Fair Start Scotland) to help with finding work / sustaining work.
* Find an ADHD coach/ mentor/ therapist to help with time management, organisation, coping strategies.

The largest user-led organisation in Europe offering support to those with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and Tourette’s syndrome.

03/09/2025

🤓 Visual-motor integration 🧐 kids and adults read on...

Visual-motor integration is how the eyes and hands work together. It’s what helps us copy shapes, write letters, cut with scissors, or catch a ball.

When we check this skill, it helps us see:

School skills – Kids need good eye-hand coordination to write, draw, and do math.

Everyday tasks – Things like tying shoes, using utensils, and building with blocks all depend on this skill.

Early support – If a child is having trouble, we can spot it early and give the right help before school gets harder.

In short, testing visual-motor integration shows us how ready a child is for learning and daily activities, and whether they might need extra support.

Visual-motor integration isn’t just for kids. In adults, it helps with driving, handwriting, job tasks, cooking, using tools, sports, and even balance. If someone has a brain injury, stroke, neurological condition, or just notices more clumsiness, testing VMI can show how well their eyes and hands are working together.

This helps us know what supports or exercises might improve daily independence and safety.

Get in touch for an assessment.

31/08/2025

Great advice Borders Occupational Therapy

22/08/2025

Here are 5 ways ADHD looks different in adults vs kids:

1 Internal restlessness vs hyperactivity Kids may bounce off the walls. Adults? We feel mentally restless-constantly thinking, fidgeting, or multitasking.

2 Chronic procrastination
Not just missing homework anymore. It's bills, laundry, replying to email.... even when we want to get it done.

3 Emotional dysregulation
Quick frustration, anxiety, or sensitivity to rejection can feel overwhelming - and it's not "just stress."

4 Executive dysfunction, not laziness Trouble planning, organising, or following through - especially on long-term goals or tasks with multiple steps.

5 Masking and burnout
Many adults have learned to "mask" their symptoms to keep up. But over time, this leads to exhaustion and burnout.

ADHD is real in adults, and it deserves to be understood-not minimised.
You're not lazy. You're not failing. Your brain just works differently.