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 […]

Exercise & Strength Training As We Age

Strength and Stretching

As our body ages, things change. Our bones become brittle and likely to break if we fall. Our muscles become stiff. Risk for injury during routine workout increases. Recovering takes longer. We may need to tailor our fitness program accordingly. Thus, it is helpful to have a basic understanding of our muscles and how various […]

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.  […]

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 […]

Preventing Winter Hand Injuries

Winter hand safety

Winter is well upon us, and while most of us are looking forward to spring, winter may still have a few surprises up its sleeve for us. Whether we are partaking in winter sports, taking a walk through the neighborhood, or just trying to get ourselves and our families to and from school and work, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Mental Health Awareness Month

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 […]

Milliken PT publishes paper in Springer Nature’s publication

SCI Image

Nerve transfers are a surgical technique used to restore function in people with a nerve injury. The Milliken Hand Rehabilitation Center is well known in the hand therapy world for its work with these patients due to their close relationship with the Washington University Physicians who are world-renowned for developing this type of reconstructive surgery. […]

Cancer Survivorship Services

Cancer Survivorship

Cognitive changes are a common side-effect of cancer treatments for many adult cancer survivors. Increased fatigue, stress, and anxiety are also among the most common symptoms experienced. The combination of these symptoms and side effects can profoundly impact participation in daily activities and reduce quality of life. The interventions used in our Cancer Survivorship Program […]

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 […]

Winter Tips For Walking Your Dog

Winter Dog Walking

Walking your dog is seen as a good way to reach weight loss goals, keep in shape, decrease stress and socialize but it could also increase your risk of injury. During the winter months and times of inclement weather, odds for an injury are at an even higher risk.  NBC News did an additional story regarding seniors […]

Driving Evaluation Program

Driving Evaluation

Washington University Occupational Therapy offers Comprehensive Driving Evaluations for persons who are recovering or have been impacted by a medical condition and want to know if they are safe to drive. The driving evaluation program is coordinated by a certified driving rehabilitation specialist Peggy P. Barco, Associate Professor who specializes in research related to older adult […]

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 […]

5 Tips for a Healthy Thanksgiving

Healthy Thanksgiving Tips

Thanksgiving only comes around once a year, so why not go ahead and splurge? Year after year, we can all attest that during the holidays thinking about healthy eating may not be our primary consideration. But Thanksgiving does not have to sabotage your diets. With a little self-control, we can satisfy our desire for traditional […]

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 […]