Out of this World OT

Assistive devices are carefully fit to each individual client to ensure as much efficiency and safety as possible as the client uses it. For instance, if their device is not adjusted to the right height for them, it could effect a client's gait pattern and lead to an increased risk of falling. To properly size a cane to a client, the handle should be about level with their greater trochanter. The client's elbow should be slightly flexed when holding the cane. If using a quadcane, it is important to ensure the wider legs are turned to face the outside so they are clear from the client's path when walking. For axillary crutches, the arm pad should be about 5 cm below the axilla so as not to impinge on the nerves and vessels of that region. The handgrips should be about level with their greater trochanter. For Lofstrand (forearm) crutches, the arm cuff should be about 2/3 up the forearm, proximal to the elbow. The handgrips for forearm crutches should always be faced forwa...

Learning proper posture and body mechanics is vital to ensuring the safety of both the client and therapist. Good body mechanics helps prevent injuries and allows for increased mobility, balance, and stability. For example, when lifting a load (whether an object or client) it is very important to have a wide base of support and lift with your legs by bending at the hips and knees rather than the back. It helps to keep the load as close to you as possible and pivot your feet to turn rather than twisting at the lower back. These steps help to avoid injuries from falling over or over-straining back muscles when lifting.  Another example is when reaching for something up high, as in a cabinet, be sure to get a solid grip with your hands and use your arms and legs to avoid letting your back take on the full weight of the load. It is still better to keep the load as close to your body as possible because the further away it is, the more strain is placed on the lower back. Using step stoo...

The wife in this story, who is missing three fingers, and the soldier, missing one, would both have a harder time grasping objects with those effected hands. Grasping is a necessary component of many occupations that we use our hands for on a daily basis. Driving, especially while making sharp turns with the steering wheel, is one such occupation that often requires bilateral hand grasping to maintain control. Therefore, driving the prized Cadillac would be difficult for either character that is missing digits. However, there are still ways the wife could steer the car effectively and continue basking in her victory.  Rather than placing both hands on the outer circle of the steering wheel, the effected hand could be placed in a device such as this   so she could complete sharp turns effectively without the danger of losing her grasp.