Ron, What I think is at issue is the means in which the modality is utilized. Essentially modalities do not get a patient "better." They are just a means to an end. They allow more full participation in the actual activities that will promote the return to more normalized occupation. I agree and also have a problem with an OT who performs modalities exclusively. I also feel that modalities can and should be integrated into OT treatments if the patient would benefit. Jimmie
-----Original Message----- From: Ron Carson [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, August 07, 2003 7:07 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [OTlist] what is OT? Hello Lori: I really struggle with OT's using thermoelectric modalities. Please understand that I have used e-stim, tens, hot/cold, etc as part of my treatment plans. And as you say, all of these were intended to improve function. Of course, the PT's doing similar treatments also said that they were trying to improve function. The reason that I no longer use modalities is because I see them as more in the realm of PT rather than OT. Here's my reasoning for this statement. When I talk with clients and professionals about appropriate OT referrals, I often say something like: "If the primary concern of the patient is physical then they will probably best benefit from PT. If the patient's primary concern is occupation, then they will best benefit from OT" Of course using the word 'occupation' gives me the opportunity to explain 'occupation' and hence occupational therapy. I don't think that OT and modalities are always mutually exclusive. However, I do believe that they are often over utilized by OT. In fact, I have seen many, many treatments where the OT spent endless hours trying to restore movement via e-stim when the patient would have probably benefited more from learning how to live a full and meaningful life after their stroke. Ron ============================================= On 8/6/2003,[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Fac> I am with you Jimmie. Modalities were put down(by some) in the past Fac> if used for any reason, no matter if followed by or intended to Fac> improve function or occupation. Lori *****************************ой********************************** To remove yourself from the OTnow mail list, send a message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the message's *body*, put the following text: unsubscribe OTlist - List messages are archived at: http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED] *****************************ой*********************************** *****************************ой********************************** To remove yourself from the OTnow mail list, send a message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the message's *body*, put the following text: unsubscribe OTlist - List messages are archived at: http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED] *****************************ой***********************************
