Manual Therapy In The Patient With OA

I decided to become an osteopathic physician mainly because I want to learn more about osteopathic manipulation technique (OMT), which will provide me an invaluable tool to treat patients. As an alternative treatment option to drugs and surgeries, it often works quicker and has fewer side effects. During my shadowing with Dr. Truong, a graduate from VCOM, he demonstrated me OMT, such as muscle energy, counter-strain, high-velocity low-amplitude. He used OMM and acupuncture to help his patients relieve pain. I witnessed how he used acupuncture on patients and brought immediate relief to suffering patients during

The prevalence of OA is expected to increase in the coming years as risk factors, such as aging, population and obesity become more prevalent (Galvin et al., 2013). It accounts for clinical and economic burden as a result of reduced quality of life, increased use of health care resources and loss of productivity (Galvin et al., 2013). According to Laba (2013), currently there is no known cure for OA, nor are there effective interventions to slow disease progression. A physical therapist should be equipped with enough knowledge about the pathology and management of the disease, so that he can help elderly population manage the symptoms.

Acupuncture can be used to treat osteoarthritis. It is based on an idea that there are channels throughout the body called “meridians” and that these allow the transport of an energy known as “Qi.” (NHS. 2012. Acupuncture.) Generally, acupuncture involves the insertion of needles at specific points along the body - these are known as “acupoints.” This insertion is thought to lead to the movement of Qi throughout the body, which causes biomedical changes that result in the “promotion of physical and emotional well-being” through the release of endorphins. (British Acupuncture Council. 2011. Acupuncture and Osteoarthritis.) Inserting needles at specific acupoints to treat osteoarthritis sends a message to the brain that assists in the reduction of “sensitivity to pain and stress.” (British Acupuncture Council. 2011. Acupuncture and Osteoarthritis.) This reduction in pain can allow for a better range of movement, thus function.

It’s reassuring to the public when they know they have someone to count on for help when it’s needed. In an instant, people go from being completely healthy and independent to vulnerable and sick. So who do people go to whenever their body isn't working physically the way it should? They go to Physical therapist, Occupational therapist and many others; But what I’m interested in pursing as a career is a Occupational therapy assistant.

This includes, practice ROM exercise and taking walks to see how their endurance and strength is. I shadowed one of the RA's that performed daily walks with each patient to see how far they are able to get and if they are able to move from a wheelchair to walker. In the afternoon, the RA's did ROM exercises and also instructed a work out class for anyone who would like to participate. An OTA would help patients with daily tasks such as being able to put on pants with the right movements (practice bending up and down) or how to put on a sweater with one weak

I hope this email finds you well. I am interested in the M.S. Occupational Therapy program in Hofstra University. Unfortunately due to conflict with my work schedule I would be unable to attend the Occupational Therapy web seminar. I was wondering if it was possible to speak to you or an admissions representative for more information and possible receive advisement.

Aline’s doctors gave the recommendation for occupational therapist three times a week for two weeks. After the set-up time the occupational therapist with the client decided for extension time for the therapy. The

This papers purpose is to describe to the reader an Occupational therapy treatment plan and therapy session using the OTPF as its base to describe client’s performance. It is based off a case study of a 26 year old male racecar driver who suffered a traumatic brain injury and is now admitted into the hospitals ICU unit under a coma. The paper begins with a brief overview of the clients Injuries and occupational profile. It continues with goals that the therapist has set for the client and caregivers and concludes with the client’s treatment plan, along with a SOAP note which explains the client’s treatment and gives other healthcare workers information about the therapists goals and progress of the client

Special exercises designed to suit different conditions can be very useful. A physiotherapist would be the one who makes an assessment keeping in mind clients condition e.g.

The interventions that I observed was the use of contrast bath for the Chronic Regional pain, E-stim, Ultrasound, hot packs for the pain management as well as to decrease the stiffness and swelling. The activity that I observed were ROM arc to increase movement in the bilateral upper extremities, sand box to increase core strength, Theraputty, peg boards, cognition pattern puzzles, visual perception puzzles, arm bike (rollator), bolts and screw for fine motor coordination, mini mental test to intact orientation as well as memory. I observed how therapist were teaching the patients to increase independence while transferring from bed to wheelchair to commode. I observed the use of adaptive devices to make the patient as functional as possible with their daily activities such as long handled shower brush, Reacher, sock aid, leg lifter, adaptive heavy weighted utensils and many

Treatment addresses the problems identified by evaluation of the patient, and often are guided by the progression of the disease. Some specific goals to work on with an individual with RA may be to maintain joint mobility, prevent joint deformity, maintain or increase strength and functional ability, balancing activity with rest, develop problem-solving skills to modify daily activities at home and at work to protect joints and preserve energy, and especially promote psychosocial adaptations to deal with their chronic disability. (Pisetsky, 2789).

The occupational therapist can show client the way to redirect their pain and reduce its effect on daily

A second reason for a client to need occupational therapy is due to an illness. Severe illnesses like cancer leaves the client with little energy for leisure, social, or work-related tasks after just doing some daily activities. Occupational therapy practitioners are experts with the knowledge of how to modify activities and environments to allow individuals to do the activities they want and need to do to maintain quality of life. The role of occupational therapy is, “to facilitate and enable an individual patient to achieve maximum functional performance, both physically and psychologically, in everyday living skills regardless of his or her life expectancy” (Newman, “The Role of Occupational Therapy in Oncology.”)

Treatment of OA aims to reduce pain to a tolerable level as well as improve function of the affected area. Often, this is possible with a combination of physical activity, medical care, or as a last resort, surgery. Weight loss and exercise are useful in OA. Studies have shown For every 10 lbs lost over 10 years, the chance of developing knee OA is cut 50 percent. Working out regularly, can build muscle strength, and increase mobility to stiffened areas, as well as decrease the chance of impairment due to OA. Assistive devices such as orthotics may help in daily activities. A heat therapy such as a spa tub can temporary relieve OA

Treatment plans that are most common to physical therapists are exercise for patients who are currently immobilized and lack flexibility, strength, or endurance (Asenjo). The main goal of the physical therapist is helping patients achieve goals and use encouragement to improve flexibility, range of motion, strength, balance, coordination, and endurance. The overall job goal is to promote function. Treatments that are commonly used in physical treatments include electrical therapy treatments, physical treatments, therapeutic exercises, and manual therapy. Physical treatments help make muscles and joints more flexible and decrease pain and swelling. Deep heating, or ultrasound and diathermy, cold packs and ice massages, whirlpools and water therapy,