Irene Said:

What do occupational therapists think of the Ashley Treatment? How will this affect the field of OT?

We Answered:

I don't really see why the treatment would have an impact on the field of OT?
First of all, you have to really stop and think about what our role is with an individual who is dependent on caregivers for ALL their self care skills. Our job is to provide a better quality of life, this can only be done by family education and training for things such as positioning, transfers, PROM and stretching. That role wont change if the individual is sterilized or sexually mature. It makes no difference, other than it's easier to take care of a small child versus an overweight menstruating woman. I hate to sound so crass about it, but that is the reality. We are not miracle healers.

My understanding is that this procedure is only for those children who will be dependent for life. Understand, years past, many of these children would not have survived to adulthood, and those that did, ended up dying in early adulthood due to poor care in group homes or institutes. I can see why people would be offended by the notion of sterilization in order to keep humans small and easy to move. But they need to understand the state that these humans are in.

Anyway, getting back to your question, it should make no impact on the field of OT, it's not our role to JUDGE a family. Be careful how you approach that essay, I'd change my topic if it is in fact 'the ashley treatment and it's affect on OT'. Over the past years, the only impact I've felt from any new medical treatments, is an increase in caseload due to things such as 'back to bed'. Good luck...sorry if I did not give you the answer you wanted, but I remember back when I was in school, spending too much time trying to write essays in things that really were not relevant, and wishing someone would have just said..'change your topic'..

Alma Said:

Does the combination of acupuncture and occupational therapy help relieve damaged nerves in an arm?

We Answered:

ive worked in physical rehab as a nurse and i also have had accupuncture. i hope your mom gets back sensations and functions. nerves do regrow, slowly so she should be patient. i had numb hands and i was able to feel what i described was water traveling under my skin. i asked, and found out they opened the "water channel" i did not know this prior, but i did go in with an open mind. ive also used accupunture for a neck injury-whiplash and it helped so that i didnt have to take pain meds. occupational therapy is great also, use it or loose it i say. your mom is lucky to have u and be in a program where she is getting these treatments. goodluck ;)michele

Ken Said:

How can the normal people recieve the occupational therapy treatments?

We Answered:

One thinkg OTs can address is health and well-being. Believe it or not, this can including educating people on better nutrition, time management, organization, anddelineating roles in their lives. This is just a start. OTs often work in psychosocial areas, working with people who are depressed, schizophrenic, etc. As far as receiving treatment, you need a doctor's order.

Jessie Said:

occupational therapy and jewish customs?

We Answered:

If you have any concerns over this subject I strongly suggest you go to your(a) Synagogue(spelling?) and speak directly with a Rabbi.He will and can let you know everything you'll need to know.If you can't go to one personally just call one and explain why your asking.They'll be more them happy to help I'm sure.
Good luck