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Body Mechanics Training. Body mechanics training is the application of proper body movement to prevent and correct poor posture, reduce stress on ligaments, joints and tendons and to enhance physical capabilities. Mechanics studies energy and forces and their affects on bodies. Mechanics derives from physics. Biomechanics is applying mechanics to biological systems, and it...

This is a very interesting and informative article on the pre-prosthetic treatment OT gives a client. The client will be assessed by OT for things like ROM, scar management, pain, phantom pain and sensation, and desensitization. Client interview helps the practitioner choose a correct prosthetic. Always consider the psychosocial aspect. There are different things to consider if the amputation is unilateral or bilateral. The OT will help prepare the limb to wear the prosthetic. Mirror therapy can be used as a treatment option for phantom pain. The OT will help in ADL training, stump care, prosthetic care, and psychosocial care.

I was searching for information on tertiary prevention when I came across this website. I got completely sidetracked. This article talks about a study that was done on strength training related to reducing work related injuries. Strength training was actually encouraged on the job. Reminded me of how my husband took an empty space at his work and turned it into a place for his co-workers to work out when they wanted to. They have a couple of punching bags and mats and even have a boxing instructor and Krav Maga instructor that teaches them a couple of times a week. I like that there are studies backing up strength training at work.

This website has really cool ideas for gait training. It covers visual and auditory cues. It is so creative.

This is a really great article form AOTA about the Occupational practitioners role in rehabilitation for someone with an UE amputation. It breaks the rehabilitation down into stages: Acute Phase --> Pre-Prosthetic Training Phase --> Basic Prosthetic Training Phase --> Advanced Prosthetic Phase--> Discharge Planning

This is just a brief fact sheet from the AOTA on UE amputations and OTs role in the treatment of clients living with one. There is statistical information regarding amputations, how OT can help, and OTs specific role in the treatment.

Tons of information of UE amputation! Might be a good handout to give to a patient on educating how you are going to help them throughout the road to recovery. It also talks about prosthesis training when you get to that point in therapy.

CarFit is a community based program that sponsors events (as a collaborative effort between AOTA, AAA, and AARP) with the purpose of inspecting the older driver in their own vehicle. "trained technicians and/or health professionals work with each participant to ensure they "fit" their vehicle properly for maximum comfort and safety". It takes about 20 mins after which recommendations for adjustments and adaptations are provided. The website provides FAQs and videos with a lot of information pertaining to the older driver and driver safety. Those of you interested in driving rehab may be interested in participating in an event such as this as a COTA in the future.

This talks about webinars and in-person training to help service providers of all kinds learn to work better with LGBT people. Some of them sound great! The National Resource Center on LGBT Aging is the country's first and only technical assistance resource center aimed at improving the quality of services and supports offered to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) older adults. Established in 2010 through a federal grant from the U.S.

The National Association of Home Builders offers information on creating a safe, accessible home for those people wishing to age in place. As people get older many find it important to be in familiar surroundings. Included are questions the home owner should ask like what things are needed in the home in order to age safely. There is a checklist provided on how to choose a remodeler. Additional questions are included that the homeowner should consider asking in order to get exactly what they need. There are Certified Aging-in-Place specialists that are trained in this specific area.

The Physical Agent Modalities Practitioner Credentialing Agency, LLC (PAMPCA), has designed a continuing education course in PAMs for the busy therapist. You do not have to set aside multiple weekends to complete your credentialing training in physical agent modalities.

Introduction: There is a limit to the amount of work that you can do on your own. There is only so much value that you can deliver to your organization without the help of other people. If you are successful in your career, at some stage the demands on you will become greater than you are able to cope with on your own.

A company specializing in communication devices. The website gives you an option to choose your disability (ALS, TBI, Autism, etc) and recommends products that are associated with it. Also information on trouble shooting with products and questions related to training and using your device.

This recreation therapist describes the work hardening program that she has devised.

I just found this great site that shares how to properly set up a wheelchair. I think this can be a great resource not only for us but for our clients. It ties right in with mobility and Chapter 15!

This is a short video showing a little boy get a functional prosthetic arm. It transforms his life and what he is able to do. The part I like most is that it is an OT who is training him to use it!!! The OT works on bilateral hand involvement so that he may engage in play like other boys his age.

A friend of mine built a sensory room for her child about a year ago. I was fascinated by this. Her dedication to her children never ceases to amaze me. She has adopted three children with special needs. She teaches foster care classes and is in the process of getting trained to teach CPR and first aid for mental health. She built her sensory room on a budge, a tight one. Since we are getting ready to discuss sensory integration I thought this would be an appropriate topic to post here. I can't wait to help clients put together one of these. How fun!

This chapter is concerned with the unique problems presented by the bilateral upper-limb amputee. Although it is generally recognized that the unilateral upper-limb amputee uses a prosthesis as an assist and the sound limb for sensory feedback and fine manipulatory activities, the bilateral amputee does not have such a choice.

Signal Strengthening An important goal following TMR is strengthening reinnervated muscles so they generate electrical signals that can be detected by surface electrodes. Strengthening the contraction of the transferred-nerve muscles before the fitting helps the patient develop the adequate endurance needed to proceed with TMR myoelectric prosthetic training.

Decided to share this because, as they say, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

"Good posture is an easy and very important way to maintain a healthy mind and body". I know that many of us could improve our posture when we are sitting at a desk or in a car, or standing, walking, and everything else. So, I found this article and it tells us how to get a better posture not only by standing straight, but strengthening your core muscles and training them to actually do the work. I had always thought it was about how you stand and sit, but it isn't and it makes sense now. Plus, if you are having headaches or back pain, this article might be something to consider reading because getting a better posture can help with that!