OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME (REPETITIVE STRESS INJURY)
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Repetitive stress injuries are those injuries that are caused by performing repetious
activities. Any repetitive activity performed on the job or during leisure activities can
cause injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, or de Quervains. Often
surgical intervention is needed to alleviate pain caused by these conditions. After
surgery, Occuptional Therapy is prescribed to regain function in the affected area (Keough,
Sain, & Roller, 2012).
What is Occupational Therapy? Many people walk into an outpatient therapy clinic
without any knowledge of what Occupational Therapy is. Sometimes people see the
word occupation and immediately think of a job. But Occupational Therapy is more
than that. Yes, Occupational Therapy does help individuals to regain the functions
needed to perform their jobs. But Occupational Therapy encompasses all of the everyday
activities of life that people are obligated to or enjoy doing.
My friend John had just recently retired after 20 years as a Computer Programmer.
Hours at the computer required John to use repetitive motions of his wrist. Thus, he
developed carpal tunnel syndrome. Since his retirement, he has been able to spend
more time fishing with his son. But the nagging pain and numbness in his hand has
prevented him from his fishing outings. John is scheduled for surgery with
Occupational Therapy to follow. The following videos explains the Occupational Therapy
process in John's treatment of post-surgical carpal tunnel syndrome plus an overview of
profession of Occupational Therapy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlG0jMPu5MQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQhZXapEgNo
There are not any age limits in Occupational Therapy. OT practitioners treat clients from
birth to age 99. Occupational Therapy strives to regain as much function as possible so
that their clients will be able to participate in all the occupations they enjoy. Whether
deep sea fishing or just enjoying a day on the lake, John is back to doing his favorite
occupation.
WORKS CITED
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Part 4: Rehab & Prevention.
2010. Video. n.p. Web. 30 Nov
2012.
Keough, J., Sain, S., & Roller, C. (2012).
Kinesiology for the Occupational Therapy
Assistant.
Thorofare, NJ: Slack Incorporated.
What is Occupational Therapy? A Video Story.
2012. Video. n.p. Web. 30 Nov 2012.