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By Mindy Peterson, MA, OTR/L and Krista Bayer, CDT/MLD, OTR/L Occupational therapists assist clients in performing activities of all types, ranging from using a computer to caring for daily needs, such as dressing, cooking, and eating. Physical exercises may be used to increase strength and dexterity, while paper and pencil exercises may be chosen to improve visual acuity and the ability to discern patterns. A client with short-term memory loss, for instance, might be encouraged to make lists to aid recall. A person with coordination problems might be assigned exercises to improve hand-eye coordination. Occupational therapists also use tasks to help clients improve decision making, abstract reasoning, problem solving, and perceptual skills, as well as memory, sequencing, and coordination-all of which are important for independent living. For those with permanent functional disabilities, such as spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, or muscular dystrophy, therapists instruct in the use of adaptive equipment such as wheelchairs, splints, and aids for eating and dressing. They also design or make special equipment needed at home or at work. Are physical therapy and occupational therapy the same? No. Although both types of therapy help children and adults improve the quality of their lives, there are differences. Physical therapy deals with the issues of pain, strength, joint range of motion, endurance, and gross motor skills. Occupational therapy tackles all of the above-mentioned skills, but incorporates this into functional living in addition to dealing with fine motor skills, visual-perceptual skills, cognitive, skills and sensory-processing deficits. Following is a list of some of the more common diagnoses treated by occupational therapy: Strokes, Spinal cord injuries, Wrist and hand fractures, Hip and knee replacements, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Arthritis, Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Traumatic brain injuries, School age children with handwriting issues. The patients we see are not limited to these diagnoses, but any individual whose daily life has been disrupted by disease or injury. Some of the diagnoses that our occupational therapists have special training in are incontinence treatment and lymphedema management. "Your Bladder Health & You" is a program offering a conservative approach to solving your incontinence problem. We advocate a self-help program of exercise and biofeedback, which has proven effective in helping many patients regain bladder and/or bowel control. The exercises are essential in strengthening the muscles supporting the pelvic and/or prostate organs. The Lymphedema Management Program uses the Vodder technique of manual lymph drainage and complete decongestive therapy. The goal of treatment is to reduce swelling of the limb to normal or near normal size, and maintain reduction through a compression garment; reduce or eliminate the likelihood of infection, tissue hardening, or serious skin conditions; improve functioning of the affected part and the individual; and assist in alleviating the emotional issues of living with a swollen limb. For questions or inquiries, please contact Mindy Peterson, MA, OTR/L or Krista Bayer, CDT/MLD, OTR/L at 320-243-7763.
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