Have you ever experienced a wrist fracture and worked to regain your strength? Or perhaps you’ve changed your work space to reduce an excruciating neck strain? People who were curious to learn more attended Unity Point Health — Grinnell’s Occupational Therapy open house this past Friday — an event with hands-on activities, a raffle, and treats!
In the back of the open house, an occupational therapist explained a variety of upper extremity rehabilitation services. At first glance, it seemed like a fun play section: a bowl of putty, a Connect 4 game, and fun squishy balls. But those are all exercises for those who recently experienced hand and wrist fractures — these game-like exercises actually help patients regain range of motion and strength in their wrist and arm! In addition, the occupational therapist explained how their ultrasound machine can soothe a swollen area of a recently fractured area in the upper body. The ultrasound only takes 10 minutes, but it can help to increase blood flow and prevent tissue healing in that small amount of time.
In another section of the open house, an occupational therapist let attendees try the FlexiTouch machine, a blanket-like machine that treats lymphedema. Lymphedema is known as chronic swelling, caused after damage to the lymphatic system. Usually, patients who have undergone surgery or cancer treatments have experience with lymphedema and use tools like the FlexiTouch to massage their veins and muscles. Time with the FlexiTouch helps remove compression and fluids out of the swollen areas.
One of our chamber ambassadors, Phil Grout from Hy-Vee, volunteered to get adjusted to a mock work space at the “Office Ergonomics” section of the open house. There, an occupational therapist set up a prime work condition for Grout — adjusting his seat height, computer height, and even his elbow and forearm placement for when he types on his keyboard!
The last part of the open house was for demonstrating patient rehabilitation services — mainly to help those with injuries gain more independence. Some tools on display were shower stools and benches, as well as some red dining utensils to remind patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia to eat.
What an educational and fun event — thank you to Unity Point Health — Grinnell for hosting! For those wishing to pursue rehabilitation services, visit your primary care physician for a referral.
Chamber Ambassadors from left to right:
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