Occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) are skilled in helping people with PTSD increase functional performance by addressing barriers to occupational performance.Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, series of events, or set of circumstances. PTSD does not appear in everyone. However, according to the American Psychiatric Association, one in 11 people … [Read more...]
Occupational Therapy
Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain and the Military
Excessive exercise can lead to chronic pain in the musculoskeletal system.  The military is known for its intense training and requirement of top physical condition. However, training and conditioning can come at a physical cost to a military service member’s body. Excessive exercise can lead to chronic pain in the musculoskeletal system.  Recommended course: Pain Management: Evidence-Based Interventions and Best Practices Accurate identification and … [Read more...]
Managing Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the small passageway that runs the length of the forearm to the palm compresses the median nerve.What is carpal tunnel syndrome? In the United States, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders. CTS has an incidence of one to three people per thousand people annually and occurs ten times more often in women than men. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of … [Read more...]
The Role of OTs in Pain Assessment
Occupational therapists are crucial in pain assessment and understanding its impact on everyday activities.Occupational therapists (OTs) assess patients’ pain levels and determine the effect on functional performance. Pain can affect all areas of occupation, including self-care, work, leisure, and educational activities. To comprehensively evaluate pain, occupational therapists utilize a combination of standardized pain assessment tools, clinical … [Read more...]
School-Based Mental Health Interventions for OTPs
Providing mental health services in an academic setting can help support students.Providing mental health services in an academic setting can increase accessibility to services and support the occupation of learning. Based on information from the CDC, depression, anxiety, behavior problems, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are the most common mental health issues for school-aged children. Data from a 2019 survey found that of adolescents 12-17 … [Read more...]
Stroke Survivors, Pain, and the OTP
Patients who have survived a stroke often experience pain that must be addressed to improve functional performance.The American Stoke Association says 84% of stroke survivors develop shoulder pain due to motor weakness and shoulder subluxation. Skilled professionals such as occupational therapy practitioners can address pain using treatment interventions such as manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, physical modalities, and patient/caregiver … [Read more...]
Supporting Aging in Place
Occupational therapy practitioners have unique training and knowledge to meet the needs of the aging population.The United States Census Bureau reports that Baby Boomers (which generally refers to people born between years 1946-1964) should reach at least 65 years of age by the year 2030. Not only is the number of older adults in the United States increasing at a rapid rate, but they are also living longer.   Recommended course: Supporting Aging in … [Read more...]
A Brief Guide to OT Interprofessional Practice
Interprofessional Education (IPE) and Interprofessional Practice (IPP) are beneficial for healthcare consumers and healthcare providers.Al Roker from The Today Show publicly stated how his Autistic son, Nick, improved after receiving occupational and speech therapy services. Research shows that Autistic children benefit from a combination of both therapies. A collaborative approach to treatment creates better outcomes for the child and their families. … [Read more...]