Occupational Therapy Month OT's are recognized during the month of April for the services and advancements made to human health by enhancing people's participation in everyday life activities. By providing patient-focused, evidence-based care our clinicians are able to work with patients, their families and caregivers to develop plans of care and provide resources that will meet their needs in the environment where they need it most.
Washington University Occupational Therapy has experienced significant growth over the past 5 years. With the acquisition of Milliken Hand Rehabilitation Center and the development of many new community-based services, our outpatient OT services are provided at a patient's home or work, school, in the community or in our clinics for both pediatric and adult populations. Our unique approach puts the focus on whole-person health beyond just physical function. We address critical factors of health including engagement in meaningful activity, participation in the community, social connectedness and wellbeing/mental health. We teach patients how to manage medical conditions and bring about changes in habits, roles and routines. Learn more about the OT Services we provide to the community...
Scrapes, Cuts and Bumps Content provided by Katie McQueen, OTD, OTR/L, CHT Now that warmer weather is here, people are out and about walking, running, biking, climbing and doing other enjoyable activities. Along with these activities, comes bumps, bruises, scrapes and cuts. Here is some general information on how to address these minor injuries:
General Would Care
- Clean the wound with running water and gentle soap daily.
- Keep the wound covered and dry until it heals.
- Avoid full strength hydrogen peroxide. If necessary dilute with 50% water and 50% hydrogen peroxide.
- Watch for the wound becoming too moist/macerated. If a wound is too moist, it will have white, wrinkly skin around the wound. If you notice this, keep the wound uncovered for 10-15 minutes and then redress.
- Watch for signs of infection such as increased redness, pain, drainage particularly yellow or green and a foul smell. If you notice any of these symptoms, call your primary care physician.
Minor Bumps and Sprains
- The best way to deal with swelling is following the RICE method which includes: rest, ice, compression and elevation.
- For rest, find your favorite show and relax on your couch.
- For ice make sure to do 20 minutes on and then 20 minutes off. If you ever notice burning, numbness or tingling, remove the ice.
- For elevation, make sure the injured part of the body is higher than the part of your body that is closer to your heart.
- For compression, ace bandage or compression socks for your lower body are appropriate. Remove if you notice numbness, tingling, throbbing or if the extremity is cold.
If you experience wounds on your hands or upper extremity injuries, the Milliken Hand Rehabilitation Center is here to provide resources and clinical care for you. Learn more about the Milliken Hand Rehabilitation Center...
Self-Care Management Content provided by Duana Russell-Thomas, OTD, OTR/L Put your own oxygen mask on, first! How many times do we, as caregivers and healthcare professionals, provide this advice to others yet ignore it for ourselves? In the meantime, our minds, bodies, and spirits grow weary from stress. Now is your opportunity to make changes for the better! No expense or extra time has to be involved. You are invited to not only acknowledge the importance of routine self-care, but to also begin implementing self-care. On May 15, 2019 at 10:15am CST, Washington University Occupational Therapy working with Alive and Well Communities, is asking everyone to take a brief 5-minute pause from what you are doing to engage a self-care practice of your choice. Maybe you want to concentrate on your breathing to slow racing thoughts. Perhaps you always miss meals and will have a favorite snack ready to enjoy. Do you need to commit to a short stretching break to fight the tightness of consistently sitting at a computer? Explore options and see what makes sense for you and your routine. Whatever your mode of self-care, get it ready to go on May 15 at 10:15am! Encourage those around you to join in. EVERYONE benefits from a consistent moment of respite. Remember, self-care is not going to magically show up in your life. At some point, you must decide what your oxygen mask looks like and start putting it on regularly. For more information on the regional push for self-care, see www.awcommunities.org. If you find that your health is being adversely affected by difficulties managing your day, occupational therapy and our self-management for well-living services may be beneficial for you. Be alive and well!! Learn more about how our OT Clinical Services include self-management strategies for your daily routine...
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