I think I know why. OT things are functionally based. Most of our functional daily activity originates with the use of our hands. Therefore, basic observation of our profession and the medical model's need to simplify everyone's role for the average Joe dictates a simplistic and narrow explanation of our profession. Is it right? Of course not. But it gives our profession relevance to the outsider who may only get a cursory glance of what we do and it may draw them in for the full experience.
Let's be honest, OT covers the spectrum of life and it entails a lot of information. Our charge to be the profession that rehabilitates you back into your life roles is not an easy task. Neither is explaining it in a manner that is understood by the public. Arley Johnson MS, OTR/L -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Ron Carson Sent: Wednesday, August 08, 2007 7:35 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [OTlist] OT's and Upper Extremity Why do some therapists think that OT focuses on the upper extremity? I received a brochure from an OT in private practice and it states: "[OT] focuses on treatment of upper extremity injuries, disorders and disease" Where does this come from? It certainly is not our practice framework? Is it from OT/COTA schools? If so, why? This seems like another example of the dichotomy of our profession. In other words, we "say" one thing but then do something totally different! Argh...... Ron -- "In the United States, occupational therapy is ideally suited to meet the health needs of people of all ages." [Fred Somers, AJOT, April, 2005] "The part of convalescence that I found most profoundly humiliating and depressing was [OT]... I was reduced to playing with brightly colored plastic letters ... like a three-year-old..." [AJOT, April, 2005, p. 231] -- 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 ************************************************************************************** The information contained in this e-mail message is intended only for the personal and confidential use of the recipient(s) named above. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient or an agent responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you have received this document in error and that any review, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by e-mail, and delete the original message. -- 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 **************************************************************************************
