“Home is where the heart is” and the place where my patients heal

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“The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back.” – Unknown

“Home is a shelter from storms – all sorts of storms.”- William J. Bennett

Home is where the heart is.  For many of us, our home is the place we most want to be, especially while we are recovering from surgery, a hospitalization, or experiencing a decline in our ability to care for ourselves. In-home rehabilitation services have been offered through home health agencies for years.  Patients are being discharged from hospitals sooner, sicker, and more patients are declining rehab placements after discharge from the hospital. The home health team becomes an important step in the care continuum. As an Occupational Therapist in home health, I am an important player on that team.

As an Occupational Therapist, I work on all those things that occupy your time, from getting dressing, getting up and down from the toilet, taking a shower, making a meal, doing the laundry, driving, working, and enjoying your hobbies or leisure activities. After I assess someone’s abilities, I determine the areas that need to be improved and design a program that addresses those areas. The program could involve:

  • interventions in many different areas such as, therapeutic exercise, balance training, or cognition/thinking skills.
  • addressing Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and mobility in the home, sometimes recommending adaptive devices to improve independence.

Think of me as the “gadget girl.”  I especially enjoy seeing how the right piece of equipment can make all the difference with someone’s independence. Equipment recommendations include the trialing and training on the use of the equipment, which is an important part of the job in the home. No matter how good a simulation in a clinic is, it can never replicate their home. Trialing the equipment in the patient’s actual home ensures the appropriate piece of equipment is obtained.

Home Health OT plays a huge role in the prevention of re-hospitalization. Home health clinicians wear many hats. I am an OT but at any given moment, I may have to function as a PT, Social Worker, or RN. Some days it seems that I spend half of my time talking to physicians, other clinicians, and family members trying to problem solve what will work best for my patient.

As with anything, there are aspects of my job that I love as well as the ongoing challenges that require creative resourcefulness to complete my job to the best of my abilities.

  • I enjoy the intimacy that comes being in someone’s home, connections seem easier to establish.
  • I enjoy seeing people’s family photographs, the things they collect, from stamps, vintage Pyrex, perfume bottles, or teapots.
  • I enjoy being able to use things like pet or plant care in my treatment sessions.
  • I am happy that my personal confidence with driving, navigation, and parking has improved.
  • The challenges of my days include scheduling, finding clean bathrooms, communication with coworkers who I rarely see, traffic woes, and caring for an increasingly sick population.

I feel that the rubber meets the road in home health. I see how people actually live, not just what they or their family report. When my primary care provider and I have talked shop during my visits, I have told her that if she could make home visits it would change the way she practices medicine. Seeing patients in their home is that powerful, and for an OT, is completely natural and just makes sense.

“Home is where the heart is” and it is where my patients heal.

 

Monica Laird is an Occupational Therapist in the Home Health setting in Frederick, MD.  In her 38 years as an OT, Monica has worked in a variety of settings including subacute rehab, outpatient rehabilitation, acute care, and now home health.

Happy Occupational Therapy Awareness Month!

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Celebrating Occupational Therapy Awareness Month: Empowering Lives Through Meaningful Action

Every April, we recognize Occupational Therapy Awareness Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the vital role Occupational Therapists (OTs) and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) play in helping people of all ages live fuller, more independent lives.

Occupational therapy is about far more than recovery—it’s about enabling people to do the things that matter most to them.

What Is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy focuses on helping individuals participate in the activities—or “occupations”—that give their lives meaning. These activities may include self‑care, work, school, play, leisure, or social participation. When illness, injury, disability, or life changes make everyday tasks challenging, occupational therapy provides practical tools and strategies to restore independence, confidence, and quality of life.

OTs and COTAs work with people across the lifespan—from infants learning to feed or play, to older adults adapting to changes in mobility or cognition. The common thread is a client‑centered approach that meets people where they are and supports their unique goals.

Where Occupational Therapists Make an Impact

Occupational therapy services can be found in a wide range of settings, including:

  • Hospitals and rehabilitation centers, supporting recovery after injury, surgery, or illness
  • Schools, helping children succeed academically, socially, and emotionally
  • Mental health settings, promoting coping skills, routines, and emotional well‑being
  • Outpatient clinics, addressing hand therapy, neurological conditions, and chronic pain
  • Home health and community settings, ensuring people can live safely and independently
  • Workplaces, where OTs improve ergonomics and support return‑to‑work programs

No matter the setting, Occupational Therapists and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants focus on enabling participation—not just improving physical abilities, but also adapting environments, building routines, and fostering resilience.

More Than Therapy: A Holistic Approach

One of the most powerful aspects of occupational therapy is its holistic philosophy. Rather than focusing solely on a diagnosis, OTs consider the whole person—their physical abilities, mental health, environment, culture, and personal priorities.

For example, occupational therapy may involve:

  • Teaching energy‑conservation techniques for someone with chronic fatigue
  • Modifying a home to reduce fall risk after a stroke
  • Supporting a child with sensory processing challenges
  • Helping individuals manage stress, anxiety, or depression through healthy routines
  • Assisting older adults in maintaining independence and dignity

This personalized approach allows occupational therapy to make a meaningful and lasting impact.

A Month—and a Mission—Worth Celebrating

Occupational therapy empowers people to overcome challenges, adapt to change, and engage in the activities that bring purpose and joy to daily life. This April, we honor the professionals who make that possible and celebrate a field dedicated to helping people not just survive—but truly live.

Happy Occupational Therapy Awareness Month!

 

Patient Safety in Inpatient Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy: Working Together for Safer Healing

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During Patient Safety Awareness Week, we recognize the many ways hospitals protect patients every single day. In rehabilitation services—Physical Therapy (PT), Occupational Therapy (OT), and Speech‑Language Pathology (SLP)—patient safety is at the heart of everything we do.

Whether a patient is recovering from surgery, illness, injury, or a neurological condition, therapy plays a key role in helping them regain strength, function, and independence. And none of that is possible without a strong commitment to safety.

How Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapists Support Patient Safety

Rehabilitation professionals help patients rebuild their abilities—but they also work to prevent complications, injuries, and setbacks. Here’s how each discipline contributes to a safer healing process.

 

🟦 Physical Therapy: Safe Mobility, Strength, and Recovery

Physical therapists help patients move safely throughout their hospital stay. Mobility is essential for recovery—but it has to be done the right way.

PT focuses on safety by:

  • Assessing mobility and balance before each session
  • Preventing falls through proper technique and assistive devices
  • Teaching safe ways to stand, transfer, and walk
  • Monitoring vital signs, fatigue, and pain
  • Helping restore strength and endurance without overexertion
  • Reducing risks of complications like blood clots, pressure injuries, and pneumonia

PT ensures patients push forward without pushing too far—building confidence and preventing fall‑related injuries that can delay recovery.

 

🟩 Occupational Therapy: Safety in Daily Activities

Occupational therapists help patients safely return to meaningful everyday tasks—like bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, cooking, or using their hands again after injury.

OT supports safety by:

  • Teaching safe techniques for daily activities
  • Recommending adaptive equipment to reduce strain or fall risk
  • Improving cognitive safety—attention, memory, problem‑solving
  • Assessing home safety for discharge planning
  • Ensuring patients can navigate their environment safely
  • Training patients on joint protection, energy conservation, and safe body mechanics

OT helps patients regain independence without risking injury or reinjury.

 

🟧 Speech‑Language Pathology: Safety in Swallowing, Communication & Cognition

Speech‑language pathologists don’t just work on speech—they also play a crucial role in medical safety, especially for patients with swallowing or communication difficulties.

SLP enhances safety by:

  • Evaluating swallowing to prevent aspiration and pneumonia
  • Recommending safe food and liquid textures
  • Teaching strategies to reduce choking risk
  • Strengthening cognitive skills like memory, reasoning, and attention
  • Improving communication so patients can express needs, pain, or concerns clearly
  • Supporting patients with voice or airway challenges

SLP ensures that eating, drinking, and communicating are safe and effective—all essential for healing and quality of life.

Safety Is a Team Effort: Therapists, Patients, and Families

Therapists work closely with nurses, physicians, dietitians, and caregivers to create a coordinated safety plan tailored to each patient.

 

Patients and families can help by:

  • Asking questions about mobility, swallowing, or equipment
  • Using call lights and assistive devices as instructed
  • Following recommendations for exercises, safety strategies, and daily activities
  • Notifying staff if something doesn’t feel right
  • Sharing concerns about pain, dizziness, or swallowing changes immediately

When patients feel comfortable speaking up, therapy becomes safer and more successful.

Putting Safety First, Every Day

During Patient Safety Awareness Week—and every day—Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech‑Language Pathology work together to ensure patients receive safe, high‑quality care.

From preventing falls to ensuring safe swallowing, from teaching safe movement to supporting cognitive function, rehab services are essential partners in creating a hospital environment where patients can heal with confidence.

Patient safety isn’t just a priority—it’s a shared mission. And in rehab, that mission guides every step, every activity, and every goal.

Living Strong After Cancer: Why Lymphedema Awareness Matters
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Lymphedema Day Awareness

Lymphedema Day—more commonly known as World Lymphedema Day—is an annual global awareness day held on March 6. Its purpose is to educate the public about lymphatic diseases, support individuals living with lymphedema, and advocate for improved recognition, research, and care.

What Is Lymphedema?

Lymphedema is swelling that happens when the lymphatic system — the body’s network for draining excess fluid, waste, and toxins — isn’t working properly. When lymph nodes are damaged, removed, or blocked, fluid can build up in the tissues.

For breast cancer survivors, this is especially common because treatment often involves surgery or radiation that affects lymph nodes. When that drainage system is disrupted, swelling most often appears in the:

  • Arm or hand
  • Underarm
  • Chest
  • Trunk
  • Back

Lymphedema can be painful, restrictive, and long‑lasting, so catching it early makes a big difference.

How to Recognize Early Signs

Lymphedema usually develops gradually, not suddenly. Early detection is key.

Before swelling becomes visible, people often notice:

  • Tingling or numbness
  • A feeling of heaviness or fullness
  • Tightness in the skin
  • Decreased flexibility

These sensations typically appear in the arm, hand, or nearby areas after breast cancer treatment.

“I am very lucky to work with a great breast cancer team who work to ensure our patients have the least risk possible for getting lymphedema in the first place, recognizing lymphedema early if it does occur, and referring patients to treatment to ensure they can get back to their lives with the least impact possible”,  Tammy Cleary, OTR/L, CLT

Including a lymphedema screening at a doctor’s visit within 6 months after surgery can greatly reduce the physical, emotional, and financial impact of the condition. Even a pre-surgery rehab visit can improve long‑term outcomes.

Living Comfortably After Cancer

Your comfort and quality of life matter. Even after a major health event like cancer, you deserve to feel strong and capable.

Beating cancer isn’t the end of your journey. Don’t accept weakness, fatigue, and pain as your new normal. Talk to your doctor and insist that your goal is to return to the life you had before cancer. With the right care, support, and early intervention, living pain‑free is possible.

Find a Lymphedema Therapist Near You and Begin Your Healing Journey

You don’t have to navigate lymphedema alone. Specialized therapists can provide the care, guidance, and support you need to manage symptoms, reduce discomfort, and regain confidence in your body. Reaching out to a certified lymphedema therapist is an empowering first step toward long‑term relief and improved quality of life.

Start today. A healthier, more comfortable, and more active future is within reach — and the right therapist can help you get there.

 

The team of Tammy Cleary, OTR/L, CLT and Bri Biederman, COTA, CLT provide specialized Lymphedema care at the Frederick Health Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab Crestwood Outpatient Clinic in Frederick, MD. 

 

Love What You Do

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Are you loving your job?  It’s February and that means Valentine’s Day and everyone talking about love in the air – or does it?  If you are a therapist and are feeling maxed out each hour of the day with double or sometimes triple booked patients – it may be time for a change.

At Tx:Team, our culture is built on collaboration, accountability, and compassion.  We prioritize highly personalized and patient centered care with 1:1 treatment sessions.

That’s right, ONE on ONE time with patients!
No double booking, no juggling two-three patients at the same time.

Tx:Team therapists are creating real connections with patients all while providing exceptional care. Our outcomes scores from FOTO® (Focus on Therapeutic Outcomes) prove that the 1:1 model provides the best possible results for patients.  In 2025, several of functional outcomes, with one clinic earning the “Center for Excellence Award”.

  • 98.2% of patients rate our service as excellent.
  • 99% of patients would recommend a Tx:Team therapist to a friend.

In addition to ideal clinic protocols for therapists, Tx:Team fosters a culture of integrity, flexibility, belonging, and camaraderie among our teams. Our Work Wellbeing Score of 81 on Indeed highlights a sense of happiness, purpose, and a stress-free environment for our associates –  Tx:Team Work Wellbeing

  • 100% of associates say they felt welcome from day one and feel that they have a sense of belonging on the team.
  • 97% of associates agree “I feel like I can rely on my teammates to support me.”
  • 92% of our associates would recommend Tx:Team as a great place to work.

love what you do

Finding joy in your work to achieve success with your patients, bringing passion to daily tasks, and treating work as a form of visible love, often makes work feel less like a burden.

If our culture and 1:1 patient care model speaks to you, visit https://txteam.com/careers/ and find out why working with us is good therapy!

 

Have a Purpose Behind your Bridging Exercises

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Bridging exercises—lifting your hips off the ground while lying on your back—are a cornerstone of many rehabilitation and strengthening programs. They’re commonly used to improve glute strength, core stability, and hip control. But what many people don’t realize is that a small detail like foot and ankle position can significantly change which muscles are doing the most work.

 

A recent study by Escamilla et al. (2024) examined how different bridge variations activate muscles when the ankle position is altered. Participants performed bridges with their toes pointed down (plantar flexion) and with their toes pulled up toward the shin (dorsiflexion), including both double-leg and single-leg bridges.

 

Key findings from the study:

  • Hamstrings showed greater activation when the toes were pointed down.
    Plantar flexion appears to place the hamstrings in a position where they contribute more force during hip extension, making this variation useful when hamstring strengthening is a goal.
  • Hip adductors (inner thigh muscles) were more active when the toes were pulled up, particularly during single-leg bridges.
    Dorsiflexion likely increases the demand for pelvic and femoral control, requiring the inner thigh muscles to work harder to stabilize the leg.
  • Core muscles—specifically the internal and external obliques—demonstrated increased activity with toes pulled up, but only in certain bridge variations.
    This suggests that dorsiflexion may enhance trunk stability demands, especially in more challenging or asymmetrical bridge positions.
  • Glute muscle activation remained relatively consistent regardless of ankle position.
    This indicates that while foot position influences supporting muscles, the glutes remain a primary driver of the movement in both setups.

 

Practical takeaway:

Small setup changes can lead to meaningful differences in muscle engagement. Simply adjusting ankle position during a bridge can shift emphasis between the hamstrings, inner thighs, and core—without changing the exercise itself.

If you’re using bridges for rehabilitation or performance, this matters. Whether your goal is to:

  • Improve hamstring activation
  • Enhance core control
  • Build hip and pelvic stability
  • Progress toward single-leg strength

…these subtle variations can help tailor the exercise to your specific needs.

 

Start by scheduling a consultation with a physical therapist. Get personalized advice and begin your journey strong and safely.  They can help to modify bridge exercises to better match your rehab goals. Sometimes, the smallest adjustments make the biggest difference.

Snow Day!

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When I was a kid growing up in Minnesota, those words created a sense of excitement. But if I must be honest, those words aren’t quite as exciting as an adult!

As a child I equated the word snow with fun. As an adult, I equate it with hard work.  Snow removal is no joke.

Snow shoveling can be an excellent workout for people with solid core strength and good cardiovascular endurance. However, for many adults, it often leads to injuries. The good news is that with a little preparation and a few smart strategies, you can make shoveling safer and more manageable.  And, while I haven’t figured out how to avoid the hard work, I have learned how to prevent injuries while shoveling.

Preparation is Key!  Don’t wait until you’re 3 feet deep of snow to make a plan. Before you head out, check the local forecast. If a heavy storm is expected, plan to shovel in short phases throughout the event to reduce the overall physical workload. Remember: wet snow is heavy snow—pace yourself accordingly.

Pro-Tips for Back Safety:

  • Upgrade Your Gear: If you don’t have an ergonomic shovel with a curved handle, get one now! It minimizes the need to bend and allows for better hand placement—one on the grip and one closer to the blade for better leverage.
  • Push, Don’t Lift: Whenever possible, push the snow to the side rather than lifting a full shovel.
  • Avoid the “Dreaded BLT”: If you must lift, remember: No Bending, Lifting, and Twisting at the same time. Instead, bend at your knees and hips, keep your back straight, and move your feet to face the direction you are tossing the snow to avoid twisting your spine.

Because I truly practice what I preach, I use the same techniques I teach my patients—yes, another shout-out to that ergonomic shovel! Once the hard work is finished, I get to relax and

enjoy a cup of hot cocoa (with marshmallows, of course). And because I’ve taken care of my body, I can look forward to feeling good enough to head back outside, appreciate the beauty of the snow, make a snow angel, or maybe even toss a snowball or two.

Don’t Wait for an Injury!
Prevention is the best medicine. If you have a history of back pain during winter, consider a pre-season assessment at Physical Therapy. We can help you address underlying strength deficits, provide core stabilization training, and teach you proper lifting techniques so like me, you can confidently say… LET IT SNOW!

Jennie Gaskill is a Physical Therapist Assistant at Frederick Health Mt. Airy Outpatient Clinic treating a variety of patient populations and diagnoses.  She specializes in Orthopedics, Healthy Aging – Strength and Balance, Manual Therapy, and Post-Surgical Rehab

What is the most common misconception about musculoskeletal pain?

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Well, you might be excited to hear this one. The most common education I give to my patients about pain is that the presence of pain does NOT always indicate tissue damage. Musculoskeletal (muscle, bone, tendon, ligament, etc.) pain can stem from many causes.

A lot of what physical therapists see daily is overused, imbalanced, or just under conditioned/underdeveloped muscle. For example, a common occurrence in the spring is the development of lower back pain. A patient may come in who is an active individual but has done a lot of gardening, reorganizing, and cleaning around their house in preparation for the new season. The onslaught of low back pain may be a surprise, but sometimes it is as simple as this: your back wasn’t ready or trained to perform the volume or amount of work you just asked it to do! This also means immediately jumping to specific diagnoses and getting scans may be unnecessary.

We all want to know EXACTLY what is going on, so we can hope to avoid it in the future, so we might go through a whole gamut of testing.  But, there’s a chance that testing and scans show nothing out of the ordinary. Yes, even in the presence of pain. The best course of action is to take a break from some of the heavier activities you’ve been doing and allow your body to recover. When symptoms subside, slowly work your way back into your normal activity routines. If this is where you get stuck and you aren’t sure where to go from there, see a physical therapist!

Getting people back to movement and normal daily routines is our job.

 

Kimberly Rea, PTA, is a physical therapist assistant at Frederick Health Urbana Outpatient Clinic treating and educating the adult orthopedic population.  She specializes in orthopedics, spine disorders, post-surgical rehab, and sports rehab.

New Year Resolution – Make Physical Therapy a Part of your Fitness Plan

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The calendar has turned to 2026.  You just got back from signing up at your local gym.  You’ve purchased new workout clothes and have found the perfect water bottle to keep you hydrated during those new year resolution workouts.

One problem, your knee is still a little achy from scraping the snow off the driveway.  Or maybe your shoulder still has that tightness from moving furniture in your home.  Before you start putting your muscles to work in Zumba class or diving right in to lifting weights, why not see a physical therapist for the muscles that are currently causing some pain?  New Year resolution – make physical therapy a part of your fitness plan.

Including physical therapy (PT) in your exercise routine can help you move better, prevent future injuries, and even help you achieve your fitness goals. PT offers expert guidance on proper form, personalized programs, and targeted solutions to prepare your body for your new activity level — turning resolutions into lasting habits through safe, sustainable progress. It complements gym workouts, corrects imbalances, and builds confidence for long-term health and activity.

Why Choose PT for Your Fitness Goals?

  • Injury Prevention: PT identifies risk factors and teaches correct movement patterns (like squats) to avoid common workout injuries.
  • Personalized Plans: Unlike generic programs, therapists create routines tailored to your body, goals, and limitations.
  • Enhanced Performance: Addressing weaknesses and improving flexibility unlocks new physical potential.
  • Accountability & Guidance: Regular sessions provide structure, ensure proper form, and adapt as you progress.

How to Integrate PT into Your New Year Plan

  1. Start with an Evaluation: Get a “movement check-up” to uncover hidden imbalances before you begin.
  2. Set SMART Goals: Make them Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound (e.g., “run a 5K in 3 months”).
  3. Combine with Gym Work: Apply PT principles for proper form during weight training and cardio.
  4. Address Specific Needs: Include targeted stretches and strengthening for activities like gardening or sports.
  5. Listen to Your Body: Learn the difference between normal soreness and pain; consult a provider if discomfort persists.
  6. Schedule Check-ins: Regular follow-ups keep you on track and allow for program adjustments.

Your First Step

Don’t overcomplicate it—start by scheduling a consultation with a physical therapist. Get personalized advice and begin your journey strong and safely.