I once worked at a facility where that was the practice of the OTs for some of the joint replacements. As the new comer, but yet most experienced, I asked them to tell me why theraband exercises were important in the rehab of these patients. AS they bought in all types of material and stuff to support their rationale, my answer was an easy fix. I pulled out the eval in which they completed on the patient and pointed out to them that they identified the patient had normal UE strength and ROM and the occupational goals and UE eval results did not support that activity. They countered that with trying to say they were improving endurance and I countered as well by pointing out that if they weren't evaluating pre and post vitals after exercise or administering some type of exertion measure with exercise or functional activity, it quite difficult to make that claim. After doing homecare for a few years, IMHO, you really become more competent of an OT because you realize the multiple ways people live and the importance of eliminating cookie cutter therapy and integrating the goals of the patient.
Arley Johnson MS, OTR/L -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Ron Carson Sent: Friday, March 27, 2009 7:57 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [OTlist] The Sad Saga Continues... Today, I evaluated a woman who is 3 weeks s/p total knee replacement. She was in rehab for 2 weeks and has been home for 1 week. During the eval, I asked her about her rehab experience. Here is a caption of her story: I got PT on the 1st day, but then he quit the facility. I was told that they would get another PT to take his place. During most of my time, I sat in a group doing stretchy band exercises with my arms. One day, I asked the girl if I should be working on my knee. She told me that I needed to get my arms strong. So, yet again, here's another story of a patient's perception of OT being "stretchy band exercises". Does it EVER end? Ron -- Ron Carson MHS, OT www.OTnow.com -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] 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]
