RSCC Occupational Therapy Assistant Program

Since many of the oncology patients an OT practitioner would treat experience fatigue, I thought it would be appropriate to post an article related to energy conservation. I found this one to be particularly interesting because the writer interviewed real people who are incorporating energy conservation techniques into their own lives. I realize it is naïve of me, but I never really thought about the resistance that a patient might have to slowing down and the emotional response this might create. This article gives an interesting perspective.

This video gives a good demonstration of just a few ways to massage a scar. I had never heard of scar care before our hand lab with Carrie, and didn't know that OT had anything to do with it. Not all of us will get to be CHT, but we will all have patients with scars. Good information to tuck away for later.

Video showing how to massage a scar to soften it.

So I thought this would be beneficial for everyone because we were just discussing "burns" in lecture. This massaging technique would be good for a patient who has a localized burned, but could be used for a patient who has a massive portioned burned. I like how she explains what she is doing, and how it helps the healing process. This technique could be used for any type of scar tissue, so it is very universal in therapy.

Pinterest is a blessing! This pinterest page is full of ideas for hand exercises, splinting techniques, and hand dysfunctions that we will come across at OTAs. If you have pinterest I recommend following this page.

Silver ring splints are taking over tape. When I first heard of these finger splints being used for hypermobility syndrome about 10 years ago, I thought this was genius! Now they are expanding the use as well as studying to see the positive/negative uses for them. We now have boutonniere splints, as well as swan neck splints.

Botox was approved for medical usage in 2010. We are starting to see it being added to the patient's tool belt. Therapy is still very important when a client is suffering from the affects of spasticity. Botox can help the therapists help the patient's. Botox relaxes the muscle and tissues it is injected into thus allowing not only some relief of the pain of spasticity but the ability of the patient to move better.

What caught my eye in this article was that the author says that 30% of the clients in the SNF she works in have contractures. She then goes on explain how we as therapists should be "declaring war on contractures". She recommends carrying around our goniometers with some alcohol swabs. How else are we going to document improvement, right? This is a great reminder to any new clinician starting out.

A lot of us are thinking ahead to level two and trying to get organized. I have found this article with some helpful hints and several links for "surviving level two fieldwork" Hope this helps.

This video is from a marketing demonstration of a new type of wheelchair that can allow clients with a LE manual muscle grade of 0 to be able to self propel themselves from a standing position. While not a solve all, it certainly has some interesting implications.

Another video that shows some really amazing pieces of equipment that will help with many different types of transfers. If you have a crappy back like me this will be of interest to you.

This article from the CAOT describes OT position on assistive tech, recommendations, and some background on the equipment.

This page links to 5 different companies competing to develop technology specifically for the purpose of supporting clients aging in place.

"If we listen to what those in the camps are telling us, we can provide them with interventions that will serve to increase self-empowerment, create a sense of order out of chaos, provide opportunities for participation in meaningful activities, and decrease depression and anxiety."

In this video, Clarissa Adriel, an Australian occupational therapist, talks about her passion for her profession and helping refugees and asylum seekers.

This is a longer interview with Clarissa Adriel, Australian occupational therapist and president of OOFRAS (Occupational Opportunities for Refugees and Asylum Seekers).

This video educates on the use of Assistive Technology (AT): Voice Output Device and shows how a team uses an AT guide to better assist the client.

These orthotic shoes can be worn by children and adults that need to wear splints and/or AFO's. They come in different types and styles and provide an ease of rear entry and a closure system.

This is a type of support wear for lumber support during extensive flexion which does not interfere with everyday activity. Just a little something to keep in mind for clients with chronic back issues, also we as therapist could also use this item.

An emotional look at life with COPD. Jan Karlbon explains how COPD affects her and her family.

Arthritis refers to over 100 disorders of the joints. This chart gives information on common types of arthritis.