Milliken Hand Therapist Part of Team Published in Journal of Hand Surgery Global Online

While the work began in 2020 Milliken Hand Rehabilitation Center, Hand Therapist, Stacy Baker, MOT, OTR/L, CHT recently learned her work with Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and St. Louis Children’s Hospital colleagues was recently published in the Journal of Hand Surgery Global Online. The purpose of the article was to look […]

Back2School Ergonomic Safety Tips

Back to school is always a busy time of the year with an array of emotions.  As you change routines and adjust to new activities, there are precautions you can take to avoid injuries.  Here are a few guidelines to follow to help prevent injuries: Body Weight (in pounds) Backpack weight (in pounds) 50 5-7 […]

A Successful Return To School With ADHD

The beginning of a new school year marks a fresh start and a world of opportunities for students, including those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Often parents and children with ADHD, struggle to identify how to organize and identify tools and strategies to help them have a successful start. By implementing a range of […]

Summer Eye Health

Sunglasses

As we enjoy the summertime outdoors engaging in activities such as hiking, gardening, swimming, and home maintenance projects it’s important to consider the effects of the sun and protecting your eye & vision health! July is healthy vision month and while spending time outdoors and getting exercise are vital, so are your eyes. The American […]

Celebrating Hand Therapy Week 2023

June 5 – 11th, our Milliken Hand Rehabilitation Team participated in activities and challenges celebrating the annual Hand Therapy Week led by the American Society of Hand Therapists. Some of the unique ways that we were able to highlight our talented team was by showcasing creative and easy to implement exercises, “unconventional interventions”, and testing […]

Hand Safety with Fireworks

As we approach the 4th of July, it is important to keep in mind that the use of even the smallest fireworks can result in devastating injuries. Sparklers reach temperatures over 1000 degrees and can easily burn skin or ignite clothing. Larger fireworks can fracture fingers or amputate portions of the hand.  While these injuries may […]

Cognitive Stimulation Therapy Group Program

What Is Cognitive Stimulation Therapy? The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that by 2060, there will be about 14 million Americans living with dementia, which is not part of normal aging but caused by a number of conditions including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular disorders, and neurological problems. Cognitive Stimulation Therapy is here as […]

OT and Mental Health

Mental Health

Occupational Therapy is a profession that assists people throughout their lifetime and believes that participation in daily activities (aka occupations) is vital to mental health and well-being. Your Washington University Occupational Therapist may help you utilize familiar activities as coping mechanisms, such as listening to music, playing cards, writing, doodling, cooking, or cleaning to help provide calming […]

Stop and Smell The Roses

spring-yard-work

Spring is in the air and summer is quickly approaching which means you might want to get out and smell the roses, do some yard work or start that spring garden. It also means taking extra measures to protect your body to avoid tendonitis type of injuries, cuts/abrasions and arthritis flare ups. Overuse injuries or […]

OT Weight Loss Habit Development & Coaching

Weight loss & Support

OT Weight-loss program Washington University Occupational Therapy offers rehabilitation services that are personalized to help you overcome barriers related to performing everyday activities that can be complicated by excess weight. The goal of our program is to find the best solutions to support your weight loss journey. What does this program include? Occupational Therapy’s Weight-loss […]

Celebrating The Roots of “Occupation” In Occupational Therapy

Mary Reilly Occupational Therapy Quote

The profession of occupational therapy is rooted in a rich history and maintains an ever growing brightness in its future. In 1962, occupational therapist, Mary Reilly remarked in her Eleanor Clarke Slagle lecture, “Man, through the use of his hands, as they are energized by mind and will can influence the state of his own […]

It’s Time To Celebrate OT Month!

Washington University Occupational Therapy works with many healthcare providers, physician groups, living facilities, and community organizations to provide the best OT care, When & Where our patients need it most. During the month of April, we will be celebrating our OT providers and colleagues and all that they do for our adult and pediatric patients.  […]

Musicians & Hand Therapy

If you have ever been to a concert, listened to a musician, or even watched a movie or TV show, you are likely experiencing the results of many years of practice by the musicians involved. Musicians become experts through practice. This means repetition, and lots of it. When playing their instrument(s), musicians repeat the same […]

A Brain Training Boost

Executive functioning (EF) skills are important for our everyday lives, including self-care, school, work, social interactions, and leisure activities. But a myriad of diagnoses and disorders can impair these critical cognitive skills in our children, from ADHD and autism spectrum disorder, to cancer and chemotherapy treatment, and mood disorders. Executive functioning delays and deficits can […]

Taking Control of ADHD

ADHD

Many people are familiar with Attention – Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as it effects millions of children and adults every day.  The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth edition (DSM-5) defines ADHD as a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity–impulsivity that was present before age of 12 has clear evidence that the symptoms […]

Show Some Love To Your Heart

Heart Health

February is filled with images of hearts, and is a good a time as any to give a little extra thought to your own. Protecting yourself from heart disease helps protect your life. Heart disease types include angina, heart attack, heart failure and arrhythmia. 9-1-1 should be called right away for signs of a heart […]

Incorporating exercise safely

Physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for yourself both mentally and physically.  The New Year brings thoughts of New Year’s resolutions and goals. Many times those goals revolve around healthy living and a fresh start to the new year. So even if you are a newbie to the exercise […]

Parkinson’s OT Services

OT with Parkinson's Patient

Washington University Occupational Therapy offers rehabilitation services that are personalized to help you overcome barriers related to performing everyday activities that can be complicated by Parkinson’s disease. The goal of our program is to find the best solutions to support your independence at home and to maintain quality of life. What is occupational therapy? Occupational […]

Transition Time: Back2School

Smiling Student Heading to School

Starting a new school year can be stressful for all members of the household. While the return to school will be exciting for some students (and maybe a welcome change for parents), others may be feeling anxious or frightened about heading to school for possibly the first time or attending a new school. Here are […]

Ergonomics For School

Proper Backpack Fit

Here we are again, it’s August and the return to school has happened! In my house, emotions are constantly changing about the return to school. There is excitement, nervousness, anxiety, and readiness for the routine of the school year to resume. What you may not have thought about are the possible injuries that can occur […]

Keeping School Lunches Interesting

School Lunch

It’s back-to-school season and children are heading to the classroom for a new school year filled with learning, growing, playing, and not to be forgotten, eating! School lunches and snacks are important opportunities for your child to eat and get the energy they need to learn and to participate in classroom activities. But if your […]

Milliken Research in Journal of Hand Surgery

Milliken Research

Milliken Hand Rehabilitation Center Hand Therapists, Macy Stonner, OTD, OTR/L, CHT & Logan Berlet, OTD, OTR/L were recently published in The Journal of Hand Surgery for their paper, “The Impact of Social Deprivation and Hand Therapy Attendance on Range of Motion After Flexor Tendon Repair.” The purpose of the paper was to examine the influence […]

Summer Eye & Vision Safety

Eye & Vision Health

As we enjoy the summertime outdoors engaging in activities such as hiking, gardening, swimming, and home maintenance projects it’s important to consider the effects of the sun and protecting your eye & vision health! July is healthy vision month and while spending time outdoors and getting exercise are vital, so are your eyes. The American […]

Celebrating Hand Therapy Week 2022

ASHT Cover

June 6 – 10th, our Milliken Hand Rehabilitation Team participated in activities and challenges celebrating the annual Hand Therapy Week led by the American Society of Hand Therapists. Some of the unique ways that we were able to highlight our talented team was by showcasing “blinged-out” orthotic creations, getting the thoughts of a hand therapist […]

Fireworks & Hand Safety

4th of July Hands

As we approach the 4th of July, it is important to keep in mind that the use of even the smallest fireworks can result in devastating injuries. Sparklers reach temperatures over 1000 degrees and can easily burn skin or ignite clothing. Larger fireworks can fracture fingers or amputate portions of the hand.  While these injuries may […]

Summer Activities For The Kids

Summer Activities For Kids

The start of summer is such a fun and exciting time for kids!  But, for many the lazy, hazy days of summer can start to drag if the kids are bored or spend too much time in front of the screen.  However, with a little bit of planning, it’s easy to keep kids engaged in […]

OT Month Celebration

OT Month

Washington University Occupational Therapy works with many healthcare providers, physician groups, living facilities, and community organizations to provide the best care, When & Where our patients need it most. During the month of April, we will be celebrating OT Month and promoting all that our providers and colleagues in the field do for our adult and pediatric […]

Chronic Condition Spring Safety Tips

Spring Chronic Conditions

Spring is a time of awakening.  As we wake up from our winter slumber, we are eager to be more active.  This could mean getting back to recreational activities such as hiking, biking, or participating in an outdoor sport.  Or it could mean doing housekeeping activities such as spring cleaning or gardening.  Returning at full […]

Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month

Parkinson's

April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month. Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a chronic, progressive neurologic condition that affects dopamine production in the brain. Approximately one million people in the U.S. are living with PD. Parkinson’s is a movement disorder and is characterized by motor symptoms that include slow movement, stiff joints, impaired coordination, and tremor; as […]

Expanding To Washington

Reviewing Washington Clinic Plans

Ryan Risley, MPM, meets with contractors just weeks before OT Services’ new clinic in Washington, Mo., is set to open. The 2,500-square-foot space is located approximately 50 miles west of downtown St. Louis in Franklin County. It is the culmination of four years of research, strategizing and planning for Risley, the manager of practice development […]

The Importance of Lymphedema Therapy

Lymphedema Therapy Team

Following breast cancer, your risk of developing lymphedema may increase based on risk factors such as radiation or lymph node removal. Being able to receive lymphedema therapy is key to your long-term health outcome. Signs and symptoms of lymphedema include heaviness, tightness, or fullness of the affected area. You may notice that clothes or jewelry […]

5 Ways To A Healthier You In 2022 – Stroke Prevention!

Heart Health

While our title, “5 Ways To A Healthier You In 2022 – Stroke Prevention!” is focused on this year, we must make note that In December 2021, the beloved American icon, Betty White passed away of a stroke at 99 years old. We feel the time to increase awareness of strokes and ways to prevent […]

Safety Tips for Holiday Gathering

Safety Tips for Holiday Gathering

The holidays are shaping up to look different again this year from traditional gatherings of the past with recommendations of continued social distancing, masks, and possible outdoor meals. During these times, our annual celebrations with family and friends are so important for our mental health, but it is equally important to stay safe. As indoor […]

“Turn the lights on” this holiday season with iCST

CST Program for dementia patients

The holidays are fast approaching and many people are preparing to gather with close family and friends. For many, this is a time to reminisce and think of fond memories from past holidays. It is also an opportunity to see a family member with dementia. Here are some tips and ideas for planning meaningful activities […]

Hand Safety When Pumpkin Carving

Hand Safety When Pumpkin Carving

With Halloween being this weekend, we know pumpkins are being carved in preparation for display.  While usually not thought of as a dangerous activity, injuries from knives or other tools used for carving can require surgical repair and sometimes take multiple months to rehabilitate. Here are a few safety tips to help keep you away […]

Self-Advocacy Leads to Better Health & Well-Being

Patient Self-Advocacy In Healthcare

Self-advocacy is often a phrase that may be misunderstood and certainly underappreciated when it comes to managing your own health and well-being.  It is a practice that can be learned by anyone.  An added benefit is that there is evidence showing when you learn how to self-advocate and practice it, you can improve your quality […]

Fieldwork Students Help Community Members Map Path to Independence

Participants on Map Your Path

Master’s-level Washington University Occupational Therapy students, Jacqueline Crues and Logan Reeves, engaged in a unique dual-setting fieldwork rotation during the 2021 summer term. This multifold experience entailed delegating a portion of their fieldwork hours interning in a traditional clinical setting within the Washington University Occupational Therapy outpatient clinic, while the remaining time was allotted for […]

USAWR Brings Home Silver Medal!

USAWR Paralympics Tokyo 2020

Washington University Occupational Therapist & Instructor, Sue Tucker, OTD, OTR/L, ATP is an Assistant Coach for USA Wheelchair Rugby (USAWR), and this past week Sue was helping guide the team as they played on the big stage in the Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020! The USAWR Team had an outstanding showing at the Paralympic Games Tokyo […]

New Nerve and Tendon Transfer Chapter

Nerve and Tendon Transfer

The third edition of ‘Orthotic Intervention for the Hand and Upper Extremity’ was published this year and is recently in print. New to this edition is a chapter devoted to nerve and tendon transfers. The editors reached out to therapists at Milliken Hand Rehabilitation Center at Washington University to write this chapter given the national […]

Occupational Performance Center (OPC)

Occupational Performance Center

The Occupational Performance Center (OPC) is a work assessment rehabilitation program that is unlike others in the St. Louis area. Our teams’ expertise in neurological conditions and the impact they can have on thinking skills and physical performance makes us stand apart from the rest.  Occupational Therapists in the Occupational Performance Center work with individuals […]

Let’s Give Them A Hand

Hand Therapy Week

June 7th – 13th we will recognize our Hand Therapists during the American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT) Hand Therapy Week. This highly specialized group of therapists provide patient care at the Milliken Hand Rehabilitation Center. The Milliken Hand Rehabilitation Center was one of the first three hand rehabilitation facilities established in the U.S. With […]

Physical Activity As An Occupation

Physical Activity

Did you know physical activity is a main occupation for all human beings?  It just happens to fall under a larger umbrella “occupation” known as Health Management.  On a daily basis, we engage in many activities aimed at developing, managing, and maintaining health and well-being routines in order to support being able to participate in […]

Occupational Therapy, Technology, Healthcare Access and Telehealth

Telehealth

As we close out a month of celebrating Occupational Therapy 2020 during the COVID 19 crisis, we want to take time to reflect on some of the positive changes this unprecedented event has ushered in.  For the past 6-8 weeks, life has been something very different for all of us.  We have been told to […]