Blog
Telecommuting a Pain? Simple Strategies for Improved Work-at-Home Ergonomics
By Caitlin Smith, MS, OTR/L, ODT
Covid-19 has made working from home the new reality for many Americans. Many employees who are new to telecommuting may find staying productive and comfortable a struggle. While many companies provide ergonomic equipment in the workplace, most employees do not have the access to the same supportive seating or adjustable monitors at home. For those who will only be temporarily working from home, there is less of an incentive to invest in expensive home of...
Posted on 2020-04-16
April is Occupational Therapy Month!
By Caitlin Smith, OTD
Did you know April was occupational therapy month? Probably not. If you are like many people you might be confused about what exactly occupational therapy (OT) does.
Maybe you had a co-worker see an OT when she had carpal tunnel or your friend’s kid went to see an OT for sensory regulation issues. Your great uncle may have had an OT teach him how to dress after his hip replacement. It can be confusing to define OT because the same field would address all of the ab...
Posted on 2019-04-04
“Pins and Needles” Could Be Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
By Dr. Caitlin Smith, OTD
Numbness? Burning? Tingling in your fingers and toes? If you have been treated for cancer, it could be chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Neurotoxic chemotherapy, secondary side effects of treatment and disease process itself can all cause damage to the nerves in your body. The peripheral nerves are all the nerves outside your brain and spinal cord. They are responsible for letting us experience touch, deep pressure, temperature, pain and awareness of o...
Posted on 2018-10-12
Occupational Therapy for Handwriting Woes
BY CAITLIN SMITH, MS, OTR/L, OTD
While we live in a technology-dependent age where handwritten communication is less and less frequent, every child should still master this important skill. Handwriting is a dynamic process that involves both fine motor and visual motor skills. Improved handwriting has been linked to increased literacy, increased composition skills, and improved reading acquisition. Schools are spending less time teaching handwriting, which leaves many children struggling to...
Posted on 2017-01-17