Ron, First, your question implied that it would be natural to wait and see if you gain full range of motion and, if not, should you then seek a PT or OT. Clearly, treatment should begin as soon as you can move the joint, and perhaps before that, depending on how your orthopod has treated your fracture.
Your orthopod should refer you to a certified hand therapist. (Look for CHT in the initials after the therapist's name.) This therapist can be either an OT or a PT; either can specialize in upper extremity work, pass the CHT exam, and become a CHT. You can ask your doctor to make the referral, and expect it to be done. If not, you should seek a second opinion. It is reasonable, but not all orthopods (or physicians in general, for that matter) are aware of the benefits of therapy for injuries such as yours. Unfortunately, unenlightened parts of the insurance industry still will pay for treatment by a PT, but not by an OT, so your insurance my dictate who you should see to that degree. Here's to full range, Jane E. Harmon, OTR -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Ron Carson Sent: Friday, February 28, 2003 5:46 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Treatment for a Fractured Elbow Hello All: Last weekend, I fractured my elbow. The orthopedic doctor said that I may not regain full ROM of the joint. Here is a question that I struggle with. If I don't regain full ROM, should I see an OT or a PT? Thanks, Ron *********®©*********** Unsubscribe? Send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the message's *body*, put the following text: unsubscribe OTlist ** List messages are archived at: http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED] *********®©*********** *********®©*********** Unsubscribe? Send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the message's *body*, put the following text: unsubscribe OTlist ** List messages are archived at: http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED] *********®©***********
