< Back to blog and articles                                         Lecteurs francophones : Consultez l'article ici

Occupational Therapy in the World of Sports : A Must for Optimizing Athletic Performance

What is Occupational Therapy (OT) ?

Derived from the French term "Ergothérapeute," and contrary to popular belief, Occupationnal Therapy is a health profession that extends well beyond the fields of ergonomics and biomechanics. Occupational therapists specialize in optimizing the performance of their patients in all essential daily activities.

Occupational therapists aim to thoroughly understand and analyze the interactions between an individual physical, cognitive, emotional, and spiritual abilities and their physical, social, institutional, and cultural environments. Whether related to productive activities, such as work, leisure, personal care, injury prevention, and/or rehabilitation, the analyses provided by an occupational therapist help create scientifically-based, personalized interventions to achieve effective outcomes.

Whether facilitating a safe and sustainable return to work after an injury, preventing neuromusculoskeletal injuries from repetitive movements, or offering practical solutions in mental health, occupational therapists actively enhance quality of life and foster independent activity.

How does the unique approach of Occupational Therapy benefit athletes, especifically goalies ?

Expertise in OT enables a distinctive educational approach grounded in neuroscience, rehabilitation sciences, and pedagogy. Through my extensive experience in hockey, I've learned that meticulous developmental planning is essential and that teaching must be specifically structured and deliberate in order to ensure long-term development. Nothing should be left to chance. 

On a physical level, I integrate my expertise and my learnings related to my academic background to teach motor-learning principles. This optimizes strength and power in movement, promotes optimal posture for energy management, and uses proven training methods for rapid skill automation.

On a mental level, I use various techniques that empower goalies to develop autonomy and resilience, which are critical for future professional success beyond sports, including academics.

Whether helping to manage anxiety during critical moments through cognitive-behavioral principles or optimizing daily routines to boost energy and performance on the ice and in school, Occupational Therapy provides a holistic approach that consider all aspects of an athlete’s life.

Interested in a complete and thorough approach ? Feel free to contact me for more information.

After all, sports is a central occupation in our lives, right ? 😉

For further details on the impact of Occupational Therapy in our communities :

*Please take note that I (Jérémie Bergeron) am currently a student and in no circumstances am I acting in the capacity of an Occupational Therapist. The advice, recommendations, and information provided on this website are in no way to be considered as medical advice, diagnoses, or treatments. They are provided for informational purposes only and should not be regarded as a substitute for professional consultation with a physician or other qualified healthcare professional. The service provider disclaims any responsibility for any direct or indirect consequences arising from the application or implementation of the advice provided. It is the client's responsibility to consult a healthcare professional before making any decisions based on this advice.*