Books and Resources to Start Strong
Starting an occupational therapy business requires both clinical knowledge and practical business skills. The right resources help you understand your market, set up operations efficiently, and make informed decisions about equipment investments. These books cover both the clinical and business sides of running a successful practice.
The Occupational Therapy Manager by Penny Kyler (Editor)
This is the standard reference for OT practice management. It covers staffing, budgeting, reimbursement, and operational systems—all critical for an independent practice. Whether you’re building a clinic or mobile therapy service, this book gives you the framework to manage the business side alongside clinical work.
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Start With Why by Simon Sinek
Understanding your purpose beyond profit shapes every decision you make—from equipment choices to client selection. This book helps you clarify why you’re starting your OT business, which directly influences how you’ll market yourself and what services you’ll prioritize. A clear “why” also helps you stay focused during the difficult early months.
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The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
OT practices don’t need massive upfront equipment investments to start, but you do need to test what your market actually wants. This book teaches you to start small, measure results, and scale based on real data rather than assumptions. It’s particularly useful if you’re unsure whether to open a clinic, offer mobile services, or specialize in a specific population.
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Occupational Therapy Exam Review Guide by Caryn R. Johnson
If you’re new to clinical practice or need a refresher on evidence-based assessments and interventions, this review guide is solid. It ensures you’re current on best practices, which translates to better clinical outcomes and stronger referral relationships. Equipment choices should always align with current OT evidence, not outdated approaches.
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Equipment You Need
Your equipment needs depend heavily on your business model—whether you’re running a clinic-based practice, offering mobile/home-based therapy, or specializing in a specific population like pediatrics or hand therapy. Start with the essentials and add specialized tools as you build client demand and revenue. Many therapists make the mistake of buying full equipment suites before they have clients to justify the expense.
Assessment and Evaluation Tools
- Standardized assessment kits: Items like the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test, Box and Blocks Test, or Berg Balance Scale. These are clinical investments that establish credibility and support insurance billing.
- Goniometer: Essential for measuring range of motion. Get a quality one that lasts; cheaper versions wear out quickly.
- Dynamometer: For grip and pinch strength testing. Hydraulic or electronic options are available depending on your specialization.
- Sensory testing kit: Includes monofilaments, two-point discrimination tools, and temperature testing materials.
- Cognitive and perceptual screening tools: Depends on your client population—may include visual scanning tasks, spatial awareness assessments, or memory screening tools.
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Treatment and Intervention Equipment
- Therapy putty and hand strengthening tools: Basic resistance putty in multiple resistance levels, therapy balls, and hand exercisers. Essential for almost every OT practice.
- Fine motor activities: Pegboards, bead stringing kits, tweezers, and small object manipulation tasks. Can be low-cost or higher-end depending on quality.
- Gross motor equipment: Balance pads, therapy balls, stepping stools, and foam rollers. These take up space but are standard in many practices.
- Adaptive equipment: Reacher grabbers, dressing aids, ergonomic utensils, button hooks, and adaptive scissors. Specific items depend on your client population.
- Splinting and positioning supplies: Thermoplastic materials, strapping, padding, and basic fabrication tools. These can be expensive but are essential if you do hand therapy or orthotics.
- Sensory integration tools: Weighted blankets, fidget tools, compression items, and tactile materials. Important for pediatric or sensory-focused practices.
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Office and Clinical Documentation
- Client intake forms and documentation templates: Create templates based on your specialization and payer requirements. Can be paper or digital.
- HIPAA-compliant file storage: Locked cabinets or secure cloud storage for client records. Non-negotiable for compliance.
- Scheduling and billing software: SimplePractice, TherapyNotes, or similar platforms cost $100–$300/month but handle insurance claims, documentation, and scheduling.
- Computer and basic office furniture: Desk, chair, and reliable laptop or desktop for documentation and communication.
- Printer and scanner: Often needed for insurance forms, client education materials, and documentation.
Optional Specialized Equipment (Buy Based on Your Niche)
- Ergonomic assessment tools: If you work with organizations on workplace ergonomics.
- Vision screening equipment: If you work with visual rehabilitation or low vision clients.
- Technology and apps: iPad or tablet with OT-specific apps for cognitive rehabilitation, motor control, or client engagement.
- Photography equipment: Basic camera or phone setup for documenting outcomes or creating educational content.
What to Buy First vs Later
Your first purchases should enable immediate client care and professional credibility without excessive capital outlay. Buy specialized equipment only after you have clients requesting those services.
- Month 1: Assessment tools (goniometer, dynamometer, basic screening kits), basic therapy putty and hand tools, documentation system, HIPAA-compliant file storage, phone/computer for client communication.
- Month 2–3: Adaptive equipment specific to your early clients, additional fine/gross motor tools based on actual client needs, office furniture and clinical workspace setup.
- Month 4–6: Splinting materials and fabrication tools only if hand therapy is becoming a consistent part of your caseload. Specialized equipment (sensory tools, vision screening) only if clients are requesting these services.
- Month 12+: Advanced assessment kits, specialized technology, outcome measurement systems, and bulk purchases of consumables once you understand your client volume.
New vs Used Equipment
For standardized assessments, buy new. Assessment validity depends on up-to-date materials, and many insurance companies require current versions. Used assessment kits may have worn, missing, or outdated components that compromise clinical accuracy.
For treatment equipment—putty, balls, adaptive aids—used items from therapy supply websites or local OT groups can work fine if in good condition. However, some items shouldn’t be secondhand: anything that touches skin (like certain adaptive equipment) or anything with movable parts you can’t fully inspect. Therapy putty hardens over time, so fresh putty is worth buying new. Hand strengthening tools and balls are inexpensive new and better value fresh. Furniture and non-clinical office equipment can absolutely be purchased used or refurbished to save money. Balance your budget carefully: cheap assessment tools will cost you credibility and client outcomes; cheap furniture costs you nothing but comfort.
Where to Buy
- Therapy supply companies: North Coast Medical, Patterson Medical, and Sammons Preston specialize in OT equipment. Prices are higher than Amazon but assortment is deeper and customer service understands clinical needs.
- Amazon: Good for basic items, tools, and furniture. Use for office supplies, therapy putty, balls, and non-specialized equipment.
- Direct from assessment publishers: If you need specific standardized assessments, purchase directly from publishers (PAR, Pearson, WPS) to ensure authenticity and get latest versions.
- Local OT associations and peer networks: Therapists often sell or trade equipment when their practice changes. Your state OT association may have a used equipment or referral group.
- Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist: For furniture and larger equipment like therapy balls and balance equipment. Always inspect before buying.
- eBay: For assessment tools if buying used from reputable sellers, or for discontinued items.