By Chris Vitello
I can’t tell you how frequently I explain that Occupational Therapy doesn’t apply solely to job-related injuries. In the rehabilitative services world, “occupation” is a synonym for everyday activities. A hobby like tending the garden is an occupation as is getting dressed or cooking a meal. The role of the occupational therapist is very much like a guidance counselor for an injury. We help the patient get back to doing what he or she likes to do or needs to do—not just get back to work.
When a patient is referred to us by their doctor, I always ask what their goals are. Sure, we have a questionnaire for measuring functional outcomes: Can the patient open a jar? Can they wash their back? How much pain are they having? But ultimately, success is measured by what the patient hopes to come away with after completing their session.
Success is also measured by what the patient puts into the therapy. As an Occupational Therapist, I give the patient homework but then it’s up to the patient to do the exercises that will make them stronger, improve range of motion or return sensation to the injured area. Range of motion is usually the first step. An occupational therapist will send the patient home with a program that gives them exercises to improve on that. Then we’ll work on building strength back to their accustomed level.
We’re fortunate to live in an era when a great deal of assistive equipment is available on the market. There are a lot of neat little gadgets and gizmos that can help people who have limitations, either due to an injury or to help manage chronic pain conditions. Arthritis in the basal joint of the thumb is something that affects a lot of people. We can work up a splint that gives the patient a little more support if they use their thumb a lot. (And who doesn’t use their thumb on regular basis?)
We’re also always talking about how to do things correctly, either through modifying an activity or through proper body mechanics, and about proper ergonomics for doing different things so injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome or tennis elbow don’t recur. Little adjustments, like sliding a cast iron pan across a countertop instead of picking it up or moving the location of the phone on an office desk so it’s easier to reach without twisting around, actually become “a-ha” moments when patients realize they can perform these everyday activities without pain.
It’s only been seven months since I joined the Rehabilitative Services department at BMH but during that time I’ve already seen patients with almost every kind of injury or condition that we treat. The cold weather months really cause arthritis to flare up, while tendonitis of the rotator cuff or the muscles near the elbow and wrist are common among those who exercise regularly or play sports. Our offices in the Richards Building are right across the hall from Southern Vermont Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, which makes it really easy for us all to coordinate patient care. If I have a question about a patient’s tendon repair, I can quickly find the surgeon and get the information I need. I can even be there when patients have follow-up visits with the orthopedic surgeons. All of this helps the patient get back to living their everyday lives, both at work and at play.
Chris Vitello, OTR/CHT is an Occupational Therapist and certified Hand Therapy Specialist with BMH Rehab Services. He can be reached at 802-257-8255.