Reflections on the specialty and practice of occupational therapist in physical disabilities and functional healh

Abstract

In different professions, specialization helps to guide professional competencies and responsibilities, directing knowledge and expertise. This article discusses the involvement of Occupational Therapy in physical rehabilitation services amidst changes in health concepts and paradigms, as well as within the profession's principles for this field of practice. Thus, it aims to discuss and justify the relevance of professional specialization in parameterizing practice. Accordingly, the study presents and problematizes arguments supported by historical and scientific frameworks, dilemmas, and new paradigms for rehabilitation actions and research, highlighting the need for disciplining the functional health specialty and updating resolutions related to these practices. It is considered that updating this framework by the professional organization contributes to improving practices and ensuring qualified access to health, as the lack of specialist professionals has brought disadvantages to the profession and, consequently, to those requiring the care of these professionals.