The Arm Bike Goes Round and Round

Prior to starting OT school here at UTHSC, I shadowed a few different therapists in several different settings. Its so interesting to look back on my experiences prior to knowing anything really technical about what occupational therapists do and prior to having any knowledge at all on preparatory methods and interventions, etc. Now that I have almost three months of didactic experience completed, I understand a little more about what these therapists were doing and the reasons behind their therapy sessions. What is more interesting is that I can now even question some of the therapy sessions I shadowed and was an observer to. 

For the most part, the therapists I shadowed were wonderful and even before I knew what I know now, it is pretty easy to pick out the outstanding therapists. If it wasn't obvious in their own demeanor and rapport with their clients, the clients and other practitioners would say, "you're in good hands," or "she's one of the best." So, I had an idea of what it might look like to excel at a job you love. With that being said, however, I did witness some sessions that I would call heartless. That sounds harsh, but it was just easy to see when a therapist wasn't invested in the client or the time being spent with a client. 

We have learned about preparatory methods and how those should only be one portion of the overall treatment for patient. We have also learned that whatever you are asking the client to do should be explained to them and made clear what the end goals of that activity or entire session were. I saw on several occasions a client being wheeled to a table (in their wheelchair) and parked there, then asked to do an arm bike for twenty minutes. That seems like a lot of time when the session might have only been 30-45 minutes. I saw the looks on the client's faces as they were bored out of their minds and not told why they were doing this exercise, or if there was any benefit to it all. Not only that, but the therapist would then leave the client to their arm bike or clothes-pinning or putty or any other activity and not even be present to watch the results of the activity or to even be there for their client. 

I know that sometimes those things are necessary to do and there really isn't another option or a way out of it, but I just have such high hopes that when I become a practicing OT that I can make therapy clear and meaningful in every way that I can. I want to always be sure and relate pertinent information to the client about what they're doing and why they are doing it. I never want someone to feel like what they are doing doesn't matter or that I don't care enough to see them do it.