October is Occupational Therapist Month, and we are highlighting the work of our Occupational Therapists (OTs) who work to help people regain, improve, or maintain the skills needed to perform daily activities after illness or injury.
Clare and Richard are OTs who work in Joseph Brant Hospital’s Hand and Upper Limb Clinic, where they provide compassionate, person-centred care to those who have experienced injury to their hand(s) and/or arms.
The clinic sees a wide range of injuries and conditions. From fractures, dislocations, tendon and nerve injuries, amputations and burns to chronic issues like arthritis, Dupuytren’s Contracture, repetitive strain injuries and peripheral nerve compressions. OTs in the clinic work to help patients regain the ability to perform meaningful daily activities.
Patients are referred to the clinic through their plastic or orthopedic surgeons. Once they are referred, an OT like Richard or Clare will develop a customized treatment plan tailored to their unique needs and goals.
“These plans can include manual therapy for soft-tissue injury and stiffness, static and dynamic splinting, serial casting, and wound care,” said Clare. “The clinic also has the benefit of modalities such as therapeutic ultrasound, paraffin wax, and a whirlpool machine.”
A memorable case for Richard and Clare involved a patient who was recovering from a traumatic crush injury to their fingers. The injury led to severe pain and arthritis, limiting the patient’s ability to regain full motion. They worked closely with the patient to prioritize functional goals, fabricate a supportive splint, and develop adaptive aids. These interventions enabled the patient to return to activities they cherished, like cooking and knitting.
Working alongside their clients to focus on their goals and optimize their recovery, Richard and Clare stay current through peer-reviewed journals, workshops, courses, webinars and conferences. These events provide opportunities to learn from global leaders in hand therapy and bring cutting-edge practices back to their patients.
“Our learning and development as OTs never ends,” said Richard. “Staying current ensures that we are providing effective, evidence-based care to achieve optimal functional outcomes.”
Thank you to Richard and Clare for their dedication to providing quality, person-centred care at JBH.