Re: Frustrated

[OhhHiEd]

I have also felt this frustration for the past ten years. The statement made that, "you can lead a horse to water...", I feel very appropriate. Most lay people do care about the provision of therapy services when it is needed but they don't want the details. Everything involved with therapy usually gets placed into one "pile" of therapy... usually with the word Physical in front of it. I feel that physical therapy has generally gotten better press over the decades. PT self-validates themselves based on their research and their ability to more closely associate themselves with physicians. (This is my own opinion but I base it on many encounters). Often, I find myself differentiating between OT and PT services to clients and family. Unfortunately, the persons I talk to tend to hit the "delete" button in their brains when the word occupation is mentioned. It is mundane and does not seem to be as exciting or technical as counting to ten with ankle weights or applying a tens unit. Most clients and family admit that performing routine occupations is important but..."can my mom walk?"  Making the connection of mobility with meaningful occupation is difficult to explain to someone who just wants mom to walk. And everyone knows that is PT!! However, when my message does get through, I usually end up with a very strong proponent for OT, which makes my efforts worthwhile. It's  a great feling. Thanks, Ed Myers, OTR/L