During my seminar at Cebu Doctors’ University, I explored a question that has shaped my career:

 

Why is occupational therapy not widely recognised in the sports industry?

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Coming from a background in both occupational therapy and strength and conditioning, I have seen firsthand the gap between these two fields. While professions like physiotherapy and exercise physiology are well-established in sport, the role of OT remains under-recognised and underutilised.

 

While theory provides a foundation, real-world coaching is shaped by context—the environment, people, and constraints that influence how we plan, program, and deliver strength and conditioning.

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The Core Idea: Function and Meaningful Participation

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At its core, occupational therapy is about:

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• Function

• Independence

• Engagement in meaningful activities

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These principles are highly relevant to athletes, not just individuals with disability. However, OT is often misunderstood as being “disability-focused,” which limits its presence in mainstream sport.

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Where OT Fits in Sport

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Currently, OT roles are more visible in areas such as:

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• Paralympic classification and assistive technology

• Adaptation and accessibility in sport environments

• Injury management and functional recovery

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However, there is growing potential for OTs to contribute further, including:

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• Holistic athlete support (physical, mental, social)

• Performance preparation through routines and habits

• Mental strategies such as visualisation and task breakdown

• Energy conservation and lifestyle management

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Understanding the OT Lens: MOHO and PEOP

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Occupational therapists use models to understand people beyond just physical performance:

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• MOHO (Model of Human Occupation) focuses on a person’s motivation, habits, roles, and environment, helping explain what drives behaviour and participation.

• PEOP (Person–Environment–Occupation–Performance) looks at how a person’s abilities, environment, and activities interact to influence performance.

 

These models allow OTs to take a holistic view, understanding the athlete not just as a performer, but as a person with real-life demands and responsibilities.

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A Holistic Lens in Performance

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In semi-professional sport, athletes balance work, study, and personal commitments, all of which impact training and performance.

This is where OT adds value—by supporting the person behind the athlete, not just the physical output. Strategies such as routine building, mental preparation, and managing daily demands can directly influence performance outcomes.

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Working Alongside Other Professions

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In sport, collaboration is essential:

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• Physiotherapists focus on injury and rehabilitation

• Strength and Conditioning Coaches focus on performance

• Occupational Therapists focus on function, environment, and overall wellbeing

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Each role is distinct, but together they provide a more complete and effective support system.

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Final Reflection

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The role of occupational therapy in sport is still evolving—but it holds strong potential.

 

By shifting the focus from injury and disability to function, participation, and performance, OTs can play an important role in supporting athletes both on and off the field.

Occupational therapy is not limited to rehabilitation—it is about helping people perform at their best in the activities that matter most.

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