CCtheOT901

After listening to  Glass Half Full podcast about nature-based therapy I am eager to hear more about it. Nature based therapy is OT that is outdoors in a natural environment. In nature there are more elements to compensate for and sensory components missing that are not found indoors. One particular diagnosis that was discussed in the podcast was sensory processing. Water provides hydrostatic pressure that gives more feedback. In the pediatric population children can play outdoors with mud and in trees. This is allowing for them to feel different sensations. An example she used was mud. Mud has different consistencies that provide different textures. Another plus, is kids can use one item as multiple things. Example being, a stick could be used as a microphone. Nature therapy allows kids to be outdoors, in a stimulating environment, where they can use their imagination. Nature therapy also allows for the children to have free will and giving the freedom to the child takes the di...

Importance in finding bony landmarks when measuring ROM:   when measuring ROM you need a stabilized landmark to begin taking your measurement.  bony landmarks are needed to align a goniometer important to get the most accurate measurement you possibly can, so you can measure your clients progress throughout their therapeutic journey.  needed to located bony segments that need to be stabilized when testing used as reference points when measuring circumference Test position for MMT: The purpose for the position when you're performing a MMT on a client is to get the most accurate readings. This determines effort by the patients and the strength of the patient   The BREAK Test is an example of a test, which is the most common test used, The Break Test is when the the muscle/ joint is placed in optimal position for contraction. This determining maximal effort,...

  Therapeutic    Relationships  Therapeutic relationships are defined as relationships between the client and the practitioner. These relationships we develop with our clients are very crucial to providing the best environment for change. Studies show that clients thrive when a clinician is empathetic to their individual situation. All of this intervention is for the intent of gaining trust and agreement which can facilitate the use of the person’s latent inner resources and abilities to maximize function and safety. When therapist put themselves in the shoes of the client they can really provide the best treatment to their client. Sometimes people just need a listening, caring, compassionate ear. To be able to use your own life experiences and own hardships really allow you to be vulnerable and let the client know that you care. Developing these therapeutic relationships is one thing I am BEYOND excited for in my future career as an OT. 

During Dr. Keisling’s presentation today on The History of Disability I had one of my “why moments.” It’s no secret that gross anatomy has been taking over all of our lives, and it is really easy to get discouraged and overwhelmed. Today reminded me why I love occupational therapy.  In America, individuals with disabilities are the LARGEST minority group. Being able to see how far we’ve come and know the struggles that we, as a country, have overcome in the movement for a fully inclusive environment.   When Dr. Keisling said “be brave enough to tell the client and/or the client’s family that you don’t know answers.” I sometimes get so discouraged because I want to be able to helpful and informative but somethings aren’t always black and white. I also LOVE that he mentioned that sometimes the answers aren’t always there, but that doesn’t mean that is a solid definite answer that can’t be resolved. The world is always changing, just because the task at hand is impo...

Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (OTPF) Provides the structure for the profession of occupational therapy, the values that all occupational therapist hold true to, the scope of practice that falls under occupational therapy. It is designed for practitioners, students, other health care professionals, researchers, payers, and consumers. There has been multiple editions to the OTPF to keep up with the current practices. The OTPF is the base of all aspects for the field of OT and serves as a guideline throughout all areas of practice for OT. 

    a day in the life of an  OT Student  I think as humans we are all very complex. We serve many roles throughout the life-span, some roles over-lap, some roles we serve all the way from beginning of life, to the end of life. Some of us identify as students, teachers, siblings, aunts, uncles, friends, the list could go on and on. My current role, and the role I have served most of my life is a student. My role as a student is probably not much different than my fellow classmates. The occupation that makes up the role of a student is studying, note taking, attending classes, etc. The activities involved in note taking require writing, typing, and sometimes drawling. The task involved in these things are being able to grip a pencil in order to note-take, move my fingers in order to type. Task are the little tiny details required to do the activities that are involved in the occupations and roles that we serve. All of these work together to become my ident...

Things are changing all the time The one thing that remains the same in the world of OT is compassion. I think I can speak for all of my classmates when I saw we truly have a love and passion for the career and our future clients.  No matter the setting, there is a burning desire to truly look at the client as a whole and extend a helping hand. Since my time at UTHSC, most of our guest speakers have told us a success story about OT, and how an OT has positively impacted them. Being that person to someone in their time of need is something that is so beautiful to me.  Maybe the world will be a little better if we have more acts of kindness in our day to day life.  We need more people in this world that will show the world love one kind act at a time, we need more  occupational  therapist.  My favorite thing about being "someone's person" is being able to help them with activities of daily...