April is Occupational Therapy Month. How much do you know about Occupational Therapy and what Occupational Therapists can do for you?
They teach patients and family members how to increase independence after an illness, disability or injury and:
- Treat upper extremity injuries such as carpal tunnel or rotator cuff
- Fabricate custom splints
- Teach how to use assistive devices from sock aides to environmental control units
- Suggest environmental modifications
Veterans of all eras can access the many services occupational therapists can offer through the Veterans Administration. Simply go to your VA provider and have them put in a consult to see one of the occupational therapists at Hines VA Hospital.
My experience using this OT benefit was truly amazing. About six months ago I was told I have Dupuytren’s Contracture. John Elway advertises a treatment for this in ads on TV. It evidently came from the Vikings. My daughter through Ancestry discovered I am related to King Olaf of Norway. I guess you can say I’m royalty.
After my treatment I was told I have to use a splint for my hand at nighttime. The doctor sent me down to the Occupational Therapy Department at Hines. When I got to the department I noticed how cheerful everyone was. They took me to the treatment area right away and started to measure for the splint. These are not off the shelf splints, but custom made for the individual. My OT was knowledgeable, caring and patient.
The one thing I noticed that really impressed me was all the Veterans who came into the department were treated with respect and kindness. The OT made sure that the Veterans were satisfied with the treatment or device they were given. They were also given a phone number they can call if there were any problems.
This is another service the VA offers to Veterans. If you have a need for devices to make your life better, make sure you are signed up for VA Healthcare.
The occupational therapists will help you live life to the fullest — the FULLEST!
Publisher’s Note / The monthly deadline for stories published by contributing columnists is the 20th of the month prior to print publication. This story appears in the April issue of PN, now available at local supermarkets. Columns are published in rotation a few at a time on different days throughout the month. Thanks for reading in print monthly and online daily.
