Help in Recovery

This morning while waking down the hall in the hospital, I passed the physical and occupational therapy offices and  I came across this sign.  It caused me to reflect on the therapists that I see hard at work every day.  We use both physical and occupational therapists a lot to get or patients stronger and more functional so that they can remain at home and be independent for as long as possible.

Most people understand that physical therapists focus on the “getting stronger part” of this process.  They work on stretching, strengthening and mobility in those who have grown weak from their disease.  I, personally, have been benefited significantly through the years by spending time with a physical therapist when rehabbing from an injury.  They are fabulous.

Occupational therapy is a relatively newer field that is not as well understood.  I have frankly learned much more about this field in the last three years because my daughter has just finished her Masters in Occupation Therapy at Washington University.  OT’s focus on functioning.  There is some overlap with physical therapy but they first ascertain what an individual’s level of functioning has been at home.  What things does this person normally do for himself and what is he having a hard time accomplishing now?  They make sure that simple tasks that we may take for granted are not overlooked, such as getting dressed.  If someone has had a stroke or crippling arthritis and can no longer do buttons by themselves, they may suggest something as simple as making sure to use pull over shirts so that they can remain independent.

When my father was ill with cancer and was having a hard time getting in and out of bed my daughter and his OT were able to recommend a few things that helped significantly.  The first was to simply raise up the bed about 4 inches.  This put him at a better position where he did not have to activate as many muscles in his quadriceps to stand up.  We bought a bed caddy, a bed rail and a trapeze type handle that fastened to the underside of the bed so that he could reach across and grab it. This made rolling him on his side much easier.  We also bought a handle to put in the car door latch to help push off from as well. It amazed me how much my daughter was able to help out with her new found knowledge.

Both physical and occupational therapists in the hospital quietly go about their work.  They continue to have personal interaction with the patients and are thus just as at risk for contracting COVID-19 as are doctors and nurses.  At Missouri Baptist, one wing of the COVID floor is entirely dedicated to rehabilitation.  Those that recover from the virus are often left quite weak.  Here they can work with therapists for at least three hours a day preparing them so that they can return home independently.  Our therapists should not be overlooked and are healthcare heroes just like the other team members.  Hats off to our therapists and a huge thank you for all they do.