In my opinion, there is nothing that can be done to stop PT or any other discipline from addressing "function", "ADL", or for that matter anything that we do as long as they do not call it "occupational therapy", and do not call themselves "OT" or "OTA". I do not believe that legally we have exclusive rights to any modality/ intervention methods.
Specifically, the PT Guide to Practice, and as rightly indicated by this thread- PTs are allowed to address ADL, even if it were in the context to "physical movement" and "mobility". Like Ron, I am not convinced either that really puts a stop to an enlightened PT from addressing ADL in any traditional way the OTs do (i.e., if there is actually one). We can deduce that to just about anything, even addressing cognition in order to elicit a purposeful physical function/ movement that will aid in the ADL. After all, to function (other than at the cellular/ tissue level), almost always, would require a movement of some sort (this includes environmental controls via eye movements as well). I guess the exceptions would be mental functioning without outward bodily movements, e.g. mental calculations, relaxing listening to music (without even tapping your feet ;-), meditation phases, etc. However, I strongly advocate that we should try and claim/ protect our domain as much as we can and limit the language in others', if we can. This just reinforces our scope/ "perceived" expertise or else aspects of it will be gradually lost (remember dysphagia). We need to practice all aspects as allowed by our scope addressing and applying interventions for physical, mental, socio-cultural functioning. While we can not really stop others from practicing what we do, we must ensure the right to at least practice what we are supposed to. Joe K. Wells, OTD, OTR/L -- Internal Virus Database is out-of-date. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.446 / Virus Database: 268.18.4/702 - Release Date: 2/25/2007 3:16 PM -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] ************************************************************************************** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **************************************************************************************
