Occupational therapy helps people rebuild their lives

Kyle Dixon of Philipsburg, left, received occupational therapy at Clearfield Hospital to help him recover from a work injury. Work-related exercises, such as using a hand-held drill, were part of his treatment plan. With Mr. Dixon is Karen Swalligan, certified occupational therapy assistant.

For more information about inpatient and outpatient occupational therapy at Clearfield Hospital, please contact 814.768.2285.

This month is National Occupational Therapy Month – a time when the occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants at Clearfield Hospital reflect on the many success stories they have been a part of during the past year.

Kyle Dixon of Philipsburg is one of those success stories. He became an occupational therapy patient after he injured his right wrist at work in late October 2007. The doctor who treated Mr. Dixon recommended occupational therapy at Clearfield Hospital to help his recovery.

Occupational therapy is skilled treatment that helps individuals of all ages regain abilities and return to their daily living tasks, work and leisure activities following an accident, illness or surgery. Clearfield Hospital’s occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants are trained to evaluate and implement treatment plans for each person’s needs.

They address strength, balance, coordination, joint protection, safety, energy conservation, work simplification and cognition to increase independence with daily activities and mobility, and make recommendations for adaptive equipment, durable medical equipment and alterations to the home environment to increase safety and independence.

Some of the conditions that may benefit from occupational therapy include: fractures and joint replacement, stroke, heart conditions, arthritis, work-related injuries, pulmonary disease, neurological conditions, back injuries and general debilitation.

In Mr. Dixon’s case, Karen Swalligan, certified occupational therapy assistant, implemented a treatment plan designed to reduce his pain and improve hand coordination, range of motion and grip strength.

A splint was custom-fabricated for Mr. Dixon per his doctor’s order. The splint was designed to stabilize his wrist while the injury healed.

“When Kyle started occupational therapy, it was hard for him to even do simple things like hold his car keys or zipper his coat. His pain level measured an eight out of 10. We started with light range-of-motion exercises and as his pain diminished, gradually worked up to a more intense program,” Mrs. Swalligan explained.

As Mr. Dixon regained strength and flexibility, work-related exercises were incorporated into the treatment plan. Two of those activities involved using a hand-held drill and simulated Mr. Dixon’s use of a handheld buffer/grinder at work. The exercises improved his grip strength and increased his endurance for sustained activity while tolerating the vibrations of the tool.

“Kyle demonstrated a real commitment to recovery. He consistently came to the hospital two to three times each week for treatment sessions and followed his home exercise plan. His recovery has a lot to do with his dedication. Our occupational therapy professionals are the guides – the patient has to be willing to put in the time and effort,” Mrs. Swalligan said.

Mr. Dixon’s occupational therapy sessions spanned four months. During his recovery, he worked light duty; when his therapy was completed, he returned to full duty.

“I wouldn‘t have been able to overcome the injury without occupational therapy. Karen and every person I worked with here at Clearfield Hospital helped me a lot and treated me well,” Mr. Dixon said.

For more information about inpatient and outpatient occupational therapy at Clearfield Hospital, please contact 814.768.2285.

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