Occupational therapy (OT) helps individuals limited by pain from injury or illness, developmental or learning disabilities, psychosocial dysfunctions or age improve their ability to carry out daily work and leisure activities. In addition to occupational therapy, other forms of treatment may be used to treat pain, including:

• Physical therapy. Treatment of muscular, nerve and skeletal disorders to restore physical function and prevent disability. Occupational therapy and physical therapy are closely related and are commonly used together to help a patient regain function.
  
  
• Speech-language pathology. Professionals in this field study and treat disorders that affect communication skills or swallowing. Occupational therapists often work with speech-language pathologists, particularly on swallowing and feeding disorders.
  
  
• Chiropractic. Chiropractors are trained in adjustment of the muscular and skeletal systems of the body. Chiropractic and other types of manipulation therapy may be useful in treating problemsassociated with back pain and neck pain.
  
  
• Recreational therapy. The primary purpose of recreational therapy is to restore, remediate or rehabilitate patients through the use of recreational activities (e.g., cooking, arts and crafts, music). Recreational and occupational therapy may be used together to treat different aspects of painful medical conditions in adults and children.
  
  
• Rehabilitation counseling. Individuals in this field assess the goals of patients and their motivation to return to work and family life. Rehabilitation counselors often work with patients with painful or limiting conditions.
  
  
• Respiratory therapy. Respiratory therapists care for patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary disorders (e.g., chronic asthma, emphysema). Occupational therapy may involve respiratory care in some cases.