Occupational Therapy At A Glance: What It Is and What It’s Not
Happy Occupational Therapy Month! Since 1980, April has been the month to celebrate occupational therapy (OT) nationally. Even though the profession started in the early 1900s, there are still misconceptions about the practice that remain to this day. Let’s explore what occupational therapy is, what it’s not, and what it could do for you!
How Do I Know If I Have Carpal Tunnel?
In the United States, 1-3 per 1000 persons are diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome Yearly. When identified and addressed early, carpal tunnel can be easily treated with therapy, splinting, exercises, and ergonomic modifications, preventing surgery. This blog will discuss common symptoms, causes, and treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome.
Writer’s Cramp
Writer’s cramp is a form of dystonia, or involuntary muscle contractions, which makes the fingers and hand move into abnormal postures when writing or performing other intensive hand activities, such as typing, playing an instrument, eating/feeding, brushing teeth, or brushing hair. This can cause pain, spasms, fatigue, and decreased legibility of penmanship or decreased task performance. A specific activity or movement can bring on the symptoms. The fingers may extend straight, or the wrist may flex and bend while the elbow extends straight. One might lose their grip or feel uncoordinated. Muscle spasms and hand cramps are more common in men than women. Poor posture and increased writing or playing time of an instrument can play a part in the symptoms, as well as increased stress or anxiety.
What is Occupational Therapy?
As April begins, this marks the kick off of Occupational Therapy Month and I am again reminded of why I am proud to call myself an Occupational Therapist. The work that my fellow Occupational Therapists are doing on a daily basis is not only growing and advocating for a profession that is over 100 years old, but also advancing research throughout all healthcare rehabilitation settings. For a profession that has been around for over a century, there are still many people who have never heard of Occupational Therapy or what we do. Read below as I explain:
Avocad-OH NO! Tips to Avoid Avocado Hand
By Shelia Tenny, OTR/L, CHT and Ellie Park, OTD/s
Avocado’s have increased in popularity, as the heart healthy benefits and high nutrient content of this super-food, have made them a favorite condiment, side dish, salad and sandwich topper. Let’s face it, they’re creamy and delicious! On the down side, there has been a rise in avocado related hand injuries due to self-inflicted knife accidents. The British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons has even warned the public regarding the safety risk of cutting avocados.1
4 Common Fingertip Injuries
Hands are one of the most intricate parts of the human body. Approximately one quarter of all our body’s bones are found in the hand. These are moved by more than 30 muscles inside our hand. There are also three main nerves that supply the muscles and skin of the hand and more than 17,000 touch receptors that relay information from the hand to our brain.1
Occupational Therapy: Fact vs. Fiction
“What exactly is Occupational Therapy?”
As an Occupational Therapist, I am often asked this question by friends, family and patients. Since April is Occupational Therapy (OT) Month, I wanted to take some time to shed some light on this rewarding profession by separating the OT facts from the OT fiction.
