Debunking Speech-Language Pathology Myths

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In honor of National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, we’re dispelling some misconceptions to highlight the vital role of speech therapy.

Myth #1: Speech therapy is only for those with lisps or stutters.

While addressing lisps and stutters is indeed a common aspect of speech therapy, it encompasses a far broader spectrum of issues, including problems with expression, sound production, comprehension, speech clarity, hearing, cognition, swallowing, and memory.

Myth #2: Speech therapy is only for children.

Contrary to popular belief, the benefits of speech therapy extend across the entire lifespan. From the earliest stages of development to the golden years of adulthood, individuals of all ages can reap its rewards. Speech-Language Pathology focuses on motor speech function, cognitive-language abilities, voice, and swallowing to help each patient reach their highest level of function and independence. Even in adulthood, tailored speech therapy programs are available to address the needs of those affected by disease, traumatic injury, or disorders of the nervous system, aiming to enhance functionality and elevate overall quality of life.

Myth #3: Speech therapy is only for talking.

Beyond speech, therapy plays a crucial role in addressing various challenges beyond verbal expression. Through targeted exercises and techniques, speech therapists help patients enhance cognitive abilities, memory retention, and improve swallowing function, thereby enhancing overall communication and quality of life.

Speech therapy encompasses interventions for memory, cognition, and swallowing issues, commonly associated with conditions like stroke, brain injury, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s Disease, among others. Furthermore, individuals affected by cancer in the mouth, throat, or esophagus, as well as those recovering from head and neck injuries or surgeries, may also benefit from speech therapy interventions.

By dispelling these misconceptions and highlighting the multifaceted nature of speech therapy, we hope to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the invaluable contributions of speech-language pathologists in enhancing communication and quality of life for individuals across diverse backgrounds and circumstances.

We thank our Tx:Team Speech-Language Pathologists for the invaluable work they do every single day in improving the lives of their patients.

Ask an Expert: Can Occupational Therapy Help Me?

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Q: Can Occupational Therapy help me with shoulder pain and weakness even though I had surgery over 10 years ago? 

A: Absolutely! Whether or not you had therapy following your surgery, your condition has probably changed since that time. Arthritis, joint degeneration, soft tissue overuse/damage, impingement, and joint positioning are some of the causes of inflammation and joint limitations resulting with pain and weakness.

Occupational Therapists assist in recovering from injuries and regaining functional abilities. Occupational Therapy is often referred by a doctor to address these issues for improved pain management and functional mobility of your shoulder.

 

Kelly van Vliet graduated from Towson State University in Maryland with an Occupational Therapy degree. She has over 30 years of experience and specializes in treating upper body limitations related to orthopedic and neurological deficits. She provides a range of other OT evaluations and treatments including pet care capability, power mobility operation, low vision needs, continence improvement, and cognitive care. Kelly is certified in LSVT BIG® to treat clients with Parkinson’s Disease.

Ask an Expert: Can OT Help My Mom Feed Herself?

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Question: My mom has dementia and seems to have forgotten how to use her silverware to feed herself. Can OT help?

Answer: Yes! Sometimes, as dementia progresses, people can have more difficulty feeding themselves. OTs can figure out what’s getting in the way of self-feeding and provide the best amount of support that helps the client maintain their skills for as long as possible.

Your OT can recommend changes in things like the type of dishes used, the kind of food offered and how it is presented, distraction level, and adjusting routines and schedules. OTs train caregivers in offering the right kind of cueing and support. OTs also take into consideration other factors outside of dementia that may be impairing self-feeding.

 

Stephanie Grunklee, MOT, graduated from Maryville University of St. Louis with a Master of Occupational Therapy degree. Stephanie is a champion of the Wound Care Program. She is passionate about geriatric rehabilitation and understands the importance of an interdisciplinary team-based approach to help patients reach their goals.

OT Solutions: Adaptive Equipment

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Adaptive Equipment (AE) are pieces of equipment to compensate for a physical limitation, promote safety, and promote independence. They are used to facilitate completion of daily activities such as dressing, feeding, bathing, grooming, and functional mobility. One may also hear the term “assistive device;” these terms are often used interchangeably.

Pieces of adaptive equipment include, but are not limited to:

  • Dressing: long-handled shoehorn, sock aid, button hook and reacher
  • Bathing: long-handled sponge
  • Feeding: plate guards, cup adaptors, and built-up handles on utensils
  • Home management: ergonomic knives and adapted cutting board with side rails and prongs to stabilize foods
  • Additional pieces include: universal cuffs, doorknob extensions, and bed transfer devices.

Some patients may require the use of AE due to precautions put in place after an injury or surgery. For example, a sock aid, reacher, and long handled shoe horn are provided to individuals after a hip replacement to allow for increased independence with lower body dressing.

Pieces of AE are used in energy conservation and safety. For individuals with decreased balance, trunk stability, dizziness, or poor vision, a reacher is beneficial to eliminate the need to reach outside of their base of support to retrieve an item.  Additionally, too much bending and reaching can cause fatigue and shortness of breath. Utilizing pieces of AE can eliminate the need to bend/reach, and therefore allow for energy conservation during dressing tasks.

Adaptive equipment may also be used in conjunction with mobility devices, such as adding platform crutches and/or enlarged grips on walkers to comply with a non-weightbearing status or prevent further stress on joints.

Occupational therapists will carefully assess performance and collaborate which pieces may likely benefit an individual’s participation in their daily tasks. It may take lots of practice, patience, and trial and error as an individual learns to use a piece of adaptive equipment.

Occupational therapists will educate patients on how to use equipment with strategies and techniques based off of an individual’s needs and learning style. An occupational therapist will also collaborate with a patient’s interprofessional team, families, and/or guardians to allow for best follow through for use of the equipment.

Maggie Webber, OTD, OTR/L is an Occupational Therapist in the Senior Living setting but has experience with clients of all ages, from pediatric to geriatric. Her area of expertise are in General Occupational Therapy, Cardiac Critical Care Unit, Neurology & Neurotrauma ICU, Trauma & Trauma ICU Colorectal Surgery, Infectious Diseases, Dementia, and Parkinson’s Disease. Maggie believes in building positive, lasting relationships with her patients to help them reach their goals.

Debunking Occupational Therapy Myths

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In celebration of Occupational Therapy Month this April, we want to debunk some common misconceptions about this vital profession.

Myth #1: Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy are Interchangeable

While both Occupational Therapists (OTs) and Physical Therapists (PTs) utilize their expertise in health science to administer therapeutic exercises and hands-on care for similar conditions, it’s crucial to recognize their distinct objectives. A commonly used analogy highlights the difference between the two disciplines: physical therapy helps you walk to the door, while occupational therapy helps you open the door. PT aims to enhance mobility, focusing on aspects such as range of motion, coordination, muscle strength, and pain management. OT helps you “open the door” by focusing on skills development and environmental adaptations for activities of daily living.

Myth #2: Occupational Therapists Only Help with Employment

While OTs can help a person use ergonomics at work to avoid injury, occupational therapy extends far beyond employment-related concerns. The field revolves around the concept of “occupations,” which encompasses a broad spectrum of activities essential to daily life. Whether it’s parenting, socializing, pursuing hobbies, or managing household tasks, OT helps individuals regain, maintain, or adapt essential skills. Occupations form the fabric of an individual’s existence and occupational therapy intervenes when disruptions occur due to injury, illness, or disability.

Myth #3: Occupational Therapy is Only for Certain Age Groups

Another misconception surrounding OT is its purported limitation to certain age demographics. In reality, OT intervention spans the entire lifespan, catering to individuals from infancy to old age. Pediatric OTs play a crucial role in fostering early development, assisting infants in bonding, exploration, and acquiring foundational skills critical for future growth. Geriatric OTs provide invaluable support to seniors grappling with age-related challenges such as vision impairment or cognitive decline, enabling them to maintain independence and quality of life.

Moreover, occupational therapy extends its reach beyond individual therapy sessions, with practitioners actively engaging in community-based initiatives targeting diverse populations and societal issues. These initiatives encompass promoting healthy behaviors, facilitating community transitions, addressing homelessness, supporting mental health, and tackling addiction, underscoring the breadth and versatility of OT’s impact across various age groups and societal contexts.

Myth #4: Occupational Therapy Only Occurs in Medical Settings

Occupational therapy services are available in a multitude of settings, including clients’ homes, community venues like community centers and shelters, hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, schools, and more. These services are adaptable and can be delivered wherever individuals engage in their daily activities, ensuring accessibility and support across different environments.

OT practitioners also serve as consultants and experts in diverse fields such as health information technology, human-centered design, community health initiatives, education (including schools and higher education), health promotion programs, driving rehabilitation, and beyond.

This month, Tx:Team celebrates the remarkable dedication and tireless efforts of our OTs and COTAs who strive to make profound and lasting differences in the lives of their patients every single day, all year round. Your unwavering commitment to enhancing the quality of life for those you serve fills us with profound gratitude. Thank you for being the driving force behind positive change and for embodying the true essence of compassionate care!

Source: American Occupational Therapy Association (aota.org)

Ergonomic Spring Cleaning

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As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, we feel energized and motivated to engage in spring cleaning, a ritual that has been taking place for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Spring cleaning gives us an opportunity to breathe new life into our homes after the winter season.

Deep cleaning your home can be a daunting task, especially for those with chronic pain or limited mobility. The following tips for ergonomic cleaning can help you avoid pain and strain while getting the job done.

  1. Use Proper Tools: Invest in ergonomic cleaning tools that reduce the need for bending and stretching. Lightweight vacuum cleaners with adjustable handles and mops with long handles are great tools for reducing back strain. Consider using a scrub brush with long handles for cleaning your bathtubs and showers. You can even get a powered version which rotates on its own which helps you avoid having to tightly grip and exert pressure onto the cleaning tool to scrub away messes.
  2. Maintain Good Posture: Stand up straight while cleaning and avoid bending over excessively. Try to look ahead rather than looking down. Looking ahead can help in maintaining good posture and avoiding strain on the neck. Utilize a step stool by sitting on it when cleaning low areas rather than bending down to clean.
  3. Take Breaks and Stay Hydrated: Cleaning can be physically demanding, so take regular breaks to rest your muscles and prevent fatigue. Drink plenty of water while cleaning to stay hydrated and maintain energy levels.
  4. Alternate Tasks: Avoid doing repetitive motions for an extended period. Alternate between tasks to give different muscle groups a break.
  5. Use Proper Lifting Techniques: When lifting heavy objects like buckets or furniture, bend your knees and use your legs to lift, rather than your back. Keep the object close to your body and avoid twisting while lifting.
  6. Use Padding: Place padding under your knees or use knee pads when kneeling to clean low surfaces to reduce strain on your joints.
  7. Use Two Hands: When using cleaning tools like mops or brooms, use both hands to distribute the workload evenly and reduce strain on one side of your body. When dusting or wiping down surfaces, alternate between hands.
  8. Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to any discomfort or pain while cleaning. If something doesn’t feel right, stop and take a break or adjust your technique.

Workplace Wellness – What Is It and Why It Should Matter

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There are many factors that come into play when searching for a new career opportunity; location, pay rate, and benefits are always the topics of conversation during the interview process. How much of the company culture and the other important factors come into the conversation?  At Tx:Team, we are proud of our culture and the essential elements that define us.

Indeed, one of the top platforms for job searching, has compiled information based on reviews and determined a Workplace Wellness score for each company. This score serves as a report card reflecting employees’ sentiments about their workplace. Indeed collects information to help job seekers find better work and to encourage companies to create positive work environments where employees can thrive. This information is helpful for people who are looking for jobs because it can show them which companies are the best fit for them.

Guided by insights from the largest study of work well-being and in collaboration with industry experts, the Work Wellbeing Score evaluates the key aspects of happiness, stress, satisfaction, and purpose.

The Work Wellbeing Score brings together the following four survey statements:

  • Happiness: I feel happy at work most of the time.
  • Purpose: My work has a clear sense of purpose.
  • Satisfaction: Overall, I am completely satisfied with my job.
  • Stress-free: I feel stressed at work most of the time.

 

 

 

 

 

What is your company’s Workplace Wellness Score?

Tx:Team has a Workplace Wellness score of 82 = High. This is a direct reflection on how associates have responded to the survey statements.

The wellbeing survey statements are:

  • Achievement: I am achieving most of my goals at work.
  • Appreciation: There are people at work who appreciate me as a person.
  • Belonging: I feel a sense of belonging in my company.
  • Compensation: I am paid fairly for my work.
  • Energy: In most of my work tasks, I feel energized.
  • Flexibility: My work has the time and location flexibility I need.
  • Inclusion: My work environment feels inclusive and respectful of all people.
  • Learning: I often learn something at work.
  • Management: My manager helps me succeed.
  • Support: There are people at work who give me support and encouragement.
  • Trust: I can trust people in my company.

When searching for a new career opportunity, location, pay rate, and benefits are understandably at the top of the list of considerations. However, as a job seeker, it’s crucial not to overlook asking about the company’s workplace wellness initiatives as they can provide valuable insights into whether the company’s culture aligns with your preferences and values. Take the opportunity to ask whether employees feel energized, supported, and encouraged in their roles. Ask them what their Workplace Wellness is—it’s a topic we’re passionate about discussing here at Tx:Team!

Ask an Expert: Where Can I Find a Good Pair of Supportive Shoes That Still Look Good?

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Question: Where can I find a good pair of supportive shoes that still look good?

Answer: We recommend searching within your community for a local shoe store that specializes in footwear. Shoes are categorized by features that address different foot mechanics and diagnoses. Shoes are classified by three types such as neutral, stability, and motion control.

Shoe stores often cater to walkers and runners, but others have the resources to meet the needs of a more complex population with uncommon foot pathologies. These stores offer an abundant selection of footwear spanning from running shoes to sandals to dress shoes.

Conditions such as over pronation, posterior tibial tendonitis, heel spurs, bunions, and a host of other health conditions may be relieved with appropriate footwear made of quality materials. In more severe instances, custom orthotics are also an option.

We find that if shoes do not look good our patients will not wear them. With enough research and effort our patients can often find a shoe that offers a compromise between support, quality, and fashion.

Chris Barrett, PTA

World Lymphedema Day

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What is Lymphedema?

Lymphedema is the accumulation of excess lymph fluid in tissues, leading to swelling. It occurs when the lymphatic system, responsible for draining fluid from tissues, is compromised. Causes include infection, cancer, scar tissue from radiation therapy, or surgical removal of lymph nodes. This swelling can affect various body parts like arms, legs, shoulders, hands, fingers, chest, or neck, making the skin feel tighter or thicker. Symptoms may include aching, tingling, weakness, and joint pain, limiting mobility. Those affected are also prone to recurrent infections in affected limbs.

How Can Physical Therapy Help?

Physical and occupational therapists can craft a tailored treatment regimen to manage swelling and aid in your return to normal activities. A common treatment plan for lymphedema is complete decongestive therapy or CDT. CDT includes manual lymphatic drainage, personalized exercise programming, compression bandaging, and education on skin and nail hygiene to reduce the risk of infection. Physical and occupational therapists will carefully monitor your progress throughout your treatment sessions and once swelling has decreased to the desired measurements, they will help you to take over your own care.

While all physical and occupational therapists are prepared by their education and experience to treat lymphedema, you may want to consider treatment by a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT). A physical therapist with a CLT certification has received intensive training on the management and treatment of lymphedema. The Find a PT tool built by the American Physical Therapy Association can help you find a CLT in your area.

Source: American Physical Therapy Association

The Important Role of Feet and Ankles

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The foot and ankle form a complex system of 28 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 ligaments, tendons, and muscles that serve as the foundational support for our entire body structure. They are essential for supporting body weight and maintaining balance, stability, and propulsion as we navigate different terrains.

Any discomfort, injury, or misalignment in the feet or ankles can significantly impact our mobility and posture, leading to potential pain or issues in the knees, hips, or lower back. Given the integral role of the feet in overall body function, addressing any related injuries or dysfunctions is crucial for maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle.

Common issues associated with the feet and ankles include hyper- or hypo-mobility, arthritis, overuse injuries like shin splints and tendonitis, ankle sprains, instability, and post-fracture complications.

Physical therapy offers effective solutions to alleviate these problems. Physical therapists specialize in assessing, treating, and enhancing the function of the foot and ankle through a combination of techniques such as manual therapy, targeted exercises for strengthening, balance enhancement, and posture correction. PTs personalize treatment plans to address specific goals and diagnoses, aiming to alleviate pain, enhance strength, restore motion, improve stability, and reduce chance of future injury. PTs can conduct thorough gait analyses to identify and rectify any biomechanical abnormalities, thereby reducing strain and dysfunction throughout the body. Thanks to physical therapy, you can return to an active, pain-free lifestyle by minimizing limitations and optimizing overall foot and ankle function.