OT

Question 1

What is OT?

Answer 1

• OT and OTA help people across lifespan participate in things they want and need to do through use of everyday activities (occupations). Common OT interventions include helping kids w/ disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations, helping people recovering from injury to regain skills, and providing supports for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes
• services may include comprehensive evals of client’s home and other environments. Recommendations for adaptive equipment and training in its use, and guidance and education for caregivers. OT practitioners have holistic perspective, in which focus is on adapting the enviro to fit the person.

Question 2

Job of certified OTAs?

Answer 2

• work under direct supervision of an OT
• can’t eval new pts
• they can provide tx and modalities under supervision of an OT

Question 3

Settings that OTs work in?

Answer 3

• inpt pt rehab
• outpt rehab
• neuro rehab
• school districts
• mental health
• work place
• home health
• peds therapy
• skilled nursing home

Question 4

OT eval and tx?

Answer 4

• eval includes measurements, std tests and fxnl status of pt
• make tx goal w/ fxnl goals that are coordinated w/ the pt
• implement tx plan and modify w/ progress
• educate pt and family on home programs
• communicate w/ referral sources

Question 5

Modalities used by OT?

Answer 5

• superficial heat/cold
• electrical stimulation
• US
• iontophoresis
• fluidotherapy
• contrast baths
• praffin baths

Question 6

Process of referral to OT?

Answer 6

• a Rx is reqd to initiate therapy from physician or PA
• need dx
• need tx w/ frequency and duration
• any precautions
• renewal script q 30 days

Question 7

What is mallet finger? Tx?

Answer 7

• MOI: hard hit to distal end of finger
• disruption of extensor tendon - need to splint
• tx:
  splint the DIP jt in extension or slight hyperextension for 6-8 wks, if they bend DIP jt starts 6 wks over, when splint is d/c begin AROM at DIP jt
• wear splint another 2 wks at night

Question 8

What is the boutonniere deformity? Tx?

Answer 8

• MOI: usually caused by forceful blow to bent finger
• it can also be caused by cut to top of finger, which can sever central slip from its attachment from the bone
• it can also be caused by RA
• Tx:
  splint PIP in extension for 6-8 wks leaving DIP free, if they bend PIP - starts splint time over
  -have them do active DIP flexion and extension several times throughout the day, when splint is d/c begin AROM to PIP jt

Question 9

Thumb ulnar collateral ligament injury? Tx?

Answer 9

• AKA skier’s thumb or gamekeeper’s thumb
• MOI: forceful blow radially to thumb
• beware of stener lesion (won’t heal)

tx:

• hand based thumb spica splint for 6 wks
• can remove to shower just don’t put lateral force on thumb, at 6 wks begin ROM

Question 10

What is carpal tunnel syndrome? Tx?

Answer 10

• caused by compression of median neve in carpal tunnel
• sxs: numbness in thumb, index, middle and radial side of ring finger

Tx:
- night splinting, may splint in day if sxs are severe, NSAIDs, stretching and nerve guides, ergonomic instruction/behavior modification (better posture)

Question 11

What is cubital tunnel syndrome? Tx?

Answer 11

• caused by compression of the ulnar nerve in cubital tunnel
• sxs are numbness in ulnar side of ring and small finger, usually starts at night
  -tx:
  night splinting the elbow in extension, NSAIDs, stretching and nerve guides, ergonomic instruction/behavior modification

Question 12

What is lateral epicondylitis? Tx?

Answer 12

• AKA tennis elbow
• sxs are pain at lateral elbow, pain w/ resisted wrist extension and supination (may also have radial tunnel syndrome)
• tx:
  passive stretches for wrist extensors, NSAIDs, counter force brace, ergonomic instruction/behavior modification