SG the Future OT

In order to restore a client’s confidence in mobility, we have the hierarchy of mobility skills that guides the process of restoring mobility. The order is as follows: 1. Bed mobility 2. Mat transfer 3. Wheelchair transfer 4. Bed transfer 5. Functional ambulation for ADL 6. Toilet and tub transfer 7. Car transfer 8. Functional ambulation for community mobility 9. Community mobility and driving This order is definitely what I expected even without the experience of this biomechanics class, but it is interesting to think that something we do so often like getting in a car is so far down the list. However, the order makes sense because each item on the list requires more effort on the client’s part—it requires more control. As you climb the list, the base of support for the client gets smaller and requires more distance to travel (i.e. the distance between the bed and tub is farther than the distance between the bed and the wheelchair). Additionally, I think this ...

It is so important for a client to be properly fitted for assistive devices. First, the correct fitting can help ensure proper posture and body mechanics while using the assistive device which will help prevent further issues from improper posture or body mechanics. Also, a proper fitting can help prevent a client from falling while using the assistive device. To fit a client for a cane, when the client is standing, the handle of the cane should reach either the greater trochanter, the ulnar styloid process, or the wrist crease of the patient on the unaffected side. When fitting a client for axillary crutches, the hand grips are at the same point as the handle of the cane—the greater trochanter, the ulnar styloid process, or the wrist crease of the patient while he or she is standing. Additionally, the arm pads should be 5 centimeters below the axilla so the client does not compress essential blood vessels and nerves in the axillary region. Lofstrand crutches ...

It is important to teach proper posture and body mechanics to a client who has faulty posture and poor body mechanics because it will improve their health and prevent injuries. First, proper posture and body mechanics can prevent injury to the spinal column. With correct alignment of the spinal column, there is a decreased risk of compression and injury to the intervertebral discs and impingement of the spinal nerves because the vertebrae are lined up correctly on top of each other. The use of proper body mechanics can also improve a client’s stability. If the client can learn to increase their base of support, they will be at a decreased risk of falling. Also, correct posture can increase a client’s ability to breathe. We have learned that as a person ages, sometimes an excessive thoracic kyphosis occurs that decreases the area in the thoracic cavity which means the lungs have less room to expand when breathing. This occurrence results in a decreased ability to take a breath and a ...

            As a navy sailor, the use of the little finger is much more essential than the sailor from the story might think. The pinkie finger is used in multiple kinds of grips including all the types of power grips that we learned about—spherical, cylindrical, hook, and power. Since the pinky is used in all of these power grips, it is reasonable to infer that a lot of power and strength in the hand would be lost. The sailor’s grip strength would be reduced greatly, and he would have to adjust the way he does many basic activities as a navy sailor. One activity as a navy sailor that would be directly affected is the ability to raise the mainsail because that requires a strong grip and strength to pull it up. This activity would not be impossible to accomplish, but it would take a lot of practice and work to be able to regain his strength.   An initial intervention that could be implemented could be a tool used to increase gr...

            In Dr. Flick’s lesson on health promotion, we learned about the different levels of interventions that promote health in the community. In primary intervention, the aim is to prevent disease or injury before it occurs. Secondary intervention is trying to detect disease or injury early so that the effects can be lessened or prevented. Finally, tertiary interventions occur when the disability or disease is already present, and the aim is to improve the quality of life for the client.              I think the biggest take-away from today’s lecture and the assigned readings is the role that occupational therapists can play in promoting health. We have a unique role where we can match our clients’ preferences and desires with activities that promote health. It is also crucial that we ensure the client’s understanding of intervention options. It made me so sad to watch the v...