OT in Progress

Implicit bias is the subconscious views or attitudes we have towards a person or group of people based on their perceived stereotypes, attributes, and qualities. People may have implicit biases towards people of different gender, race, religion, political affiliation, or any other way we group people together. By understanding and knowing about implicit bias, we can learn to become more open minded and accepting individuals. It is important as OT practitioners to learn about implicit bias since our entire career is about being client-centered and using a top-down approach when treating our clients. We will encounter people of all different backgrounds and stories, so we want to remain as neutral as we can. This allows us to provide them with the best care possible, based on what they need and want versus what we think they need and want because of who we perceive them to be. One way we can learn about and address our implicit biases is by taking the Harvard IAT test. This te...

Scapulohumeral rhythm is the term used to describe ratio of movement between the scapula and humerus during shoulder elevation. This is a 3:2:1 ratio, meaning that for every 3 degrees of shoulder elevation, there are 2 degrees of movement in the glenohumeral joint, and 1 degree of movement in the scapulothoracic joint. This ratio is clinically important for many reasons. One reason is that when working as it should, this rhythm allows for full ROM at the shoulder joint. If a client has atypical function in either of these joints, their ROM will be hindered because they must work in conjunction for full ROM to occur. The scapulohumeral rhythm allows the glenoid fossa to remain in a stable position during the many different movements of the head of the humerus. Additionally, it provides a better length-tension relationship amongst the shoulder muscles so that they can create more force needed to accomplish movements. When these joints are not working together properly, the client could...

It is important to use bony landmarks and proper positioning for measuring ROM so that the measurements can be accurately taken. The landmarks and positioning make the measurements reliable and repeatable so that other therapists would be able to perform the same test and get the same results, increasing inter-rater reliability. Proper position is also important so that the client can access their full range of motion and not be hindered, but also help lessen the chance of them using compensatory movements. The purpose of putting the client at midposition during MMT is because this is when the client is at an ideal position for muscle contraction because the most cross-bridge cycles are produced. The gravity eliminated position is important for clients who may not be able to perform the action due to the forces of gravity. This position places the client in such a way that their movement is parallel to the ground, rather than perpendicular, so that they can still do the action re...

One thing I do everyday is get out of my bed in the morning. I sleep on my side usually, so my starting position would be on my right side with my knees and hips already in a slightly flexed position. The first thing I do to begin getting out of bed is sit up. In order to do this, I use my right arm which is on the bed to push myself up. During this, my wrist, elbow, and shoulder joints are all extending until I am sitting up right. My shoulder joint is also abducting as my torso moves away from my arm. My hips are flexing more to allow my legs to fall over the side of my bed to put my feet on the floor upon sitting up. In order to stand up, I have to flex at my hip joint slightly to bend forward and then slightly dorsiflex my feet (to maintain balance) and extend at the knee and hip joints to stand upright. My end position is standing upright with my elbow, hip, and knee joints in a neutral position. All actions that are flexion and extension in the knee, hip, wrist, elbow, and ...

One thing I took away from Professor Flick’s lecture is how important health literacy is and how we as future occupational therapists are responsible for making sure our clients understand us. While I have heard of the term health literacy before, I do not think that I ever really thought too deeply about it. The video that Professor Flick showed us of the people who had lower reading levels really stuck out to me. The woman who had no clue that she was having a hysterectomy until after it was already finished shocked me. It is our responsibility as health professionals to make sure our clients understand what we are saying and doing and why we are doing those things. It helped me to know what signs to look for with a client that they may not understand what is going on like not asking questions because they are confused or maybe even intimidated, not finished their paperwork, or even just missing appointments and not taking their medicines. Another thing I learned about was the ...