Our position on CAM use in OT
The use of CAM in OT practice can be an effective tool to accomplish therapeutic goals amongst a wide range of clientele. The comprehensive nature of CAM modalities aids occupational performance in various therapeutic settings, ranging from home health care to acute care. The vision of American Occupational Therapy Association is “…that occupational therapy [be] a powerful, widely recognized, science-driven, and evidence-based profession with a globally connected and diverse workforce meeting society’s occupational needs” (AOTA, 2007). CAM supports this vision with interventions that intend to improve a client's ability to participate in occupations they want to perform. Even though CAM is not entirely science-driven or evidence-based, the AOTA requires occupational therapists to be competent in CAM approaches just as they do with other areas of practice.
The use of CAM on an individual level can enhance client-centeredness in therapy. For example, the use of music and rhythm to reach a person with limited communicational capacities provides another realm of sensory awareness and expression. On a community level, CAM can reach out to specific cultural communities or groups of people facing common challenges. For instance, families of individuals with Cerebral Palsy may create social networks in order to offer and receive support regarding the use of CAM in treatment, such as hippotherapy. On a societal level, CAM provides non-traditional methods that people may not be exposed to otherwise. It opens up therapeutic options that may be beyond their regional, cultural, and financial resources. Overall, CAM is a meaningful way to promote health and participation in life.
The use of CAM on an individual level can enhance client-centeredness in therapy. For example, the use of music and rhythm to reach a person with limited communicational capacities provides another realm of sensory awareness and expression. On a community level, CAM can reach out to specific cultural communities or groups of people facing common challenges. For instance, families of individuals with Cerebral Palsy may create social networks in order to offer and receive support regarding the use of CAM in treatment, such as hippotherapy. On a societal level, CAM provides non-traditional methods that people may not be exposed to otherwise. It opens up therapeutic options that may be beyond their regional, cultural, and financial resources. Overall, CAM is a meaningful way to promote health and participation in life.