At the National Centre for Functional Rehabilitation and Re-education located in Kirchberg, known locally as the Rehazenter, 33 specialists help patients regain independence through a mix of medical care, emotional support, and personalised rehabilitation.

One of those patients is Frédéric Draime, who suffered a stroke in mid-July that left the right side of his body paralysed. Since then, he has been steadily regaining mobility with the help of the Rehazenter's multidisciplinary team, which includes occupational therapist Manon Muller.

Muller explained that she was drawn to the profession because it combines medical science with a human touch. Having studied in Belgium for three years, she said she wanted to work in a field that allowed her to make a direct difference in people's lives. For her, occupational therapy means guiding patients towards greater autonomy and helping them adapt their daily routines so they can regain control of their lives.

She pointed out that the work is extremely diverse, covering everything from neurological and trauma cases to developmental and physical conditions. According to her, patients of all ages come through their doors: children, elderly people, or those living with Down syndrome, intellectual disabilities, or prosthetic needs. She added that therapy is not always about physical treatment, as patients sometimes simply need someone to talk to and a safe space to release their emotions.

For Muller, motivation plays a decisive role in every recovery journey. She explained that, depending on how engaged the patient is, rehabilitation can take varying amounts of time.

Muller also emphasised the importance of empathy and emotional connection. Since patients often go through moments of doubt or frustration, she believes that listening to them, offering encouragement, and even making them laugh are key elements of care. Physical interaction is also part of the job, she explained, and therapists must be comfortable working closely with people to help them progress.

The Rehazenter's occupational therapy department is led by Caroline Walczak, who described occupational therapists as healthcare professionals working under medical prescription to help people regain autonomy in their daily lives. She noted that while Luxembourg does not yet offer a training programme in this field, many aspiring therapists study abroad, such as in Belgium, France, Germany, or Austria, where they can complete a bachelor's degree in occupational therapy.

Those interested in learning more about this career path can find information and study options on the official website.

RTL

© Helder Loureiro Alves da Silva