JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- April is Occupational Therapy Month. To celebrate and promote OT, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson 673d Medical Group OT clinic is hosting an open house at the JBER Hospital from noon to 2 p.m. on April 19, 2018.
“The event will include education for providers, information on OT and services the clinic offers,” said Air Force 1st Lt. KaRena Lehman, 673d Medical Operations Squadron OT element leader. “The goal for the event is to increase awareness and understanding of what OT does.”
According to the American Occupational Therapy Association, OT is a rehabilitation profession that enables individuals to participate in everyday activities or occupations. Occupational therapists specialize in evaluating and treating physical, emotional, and cognitive changes resulting from illness and disability.
Patients are referred to the clinic for various reasons, such as a fractured arm or hand, strengthening of limbs after an injury, fitting of a custom splint for carpal tunnel, range-of-motion exercises for arthritis, or recommendations for worksite modifications.
When needed, the OT staff can provide alternative exercises to help patients in rehabilitation, Lehman said.
The clinic uses a variety of rehabilitative tools and techniques to help injured patients accomplish everyday tasks. Such as paraffin wax treatments, stretching, ice packs and healing packs, guidance and use of adaptive equipment (i.e. sock aids, reachers and leg lifters), and scar management.
Occupational therapists also educate patients and/or family members on injury and rehabilitation; provide training on activities for daily living (dressing and bathing), joint protection, energy conservation and self-care techniques.
“The purpose of OT is to help patients regain their independence and get back into everyday life,” Lehman said.
The clinic accepts active-duty, dependents, veterans and their dependents, and TRICARE for Life users.
For patients to be seen at the OT clinic, they need a referral from their primary care manager. To reach the clinic directly, call 580-0297 or 580-1701.