OT/PT

I always forget the difference between OT and PT so I looked it up.

OT=Occupational Therapy=a form of therapy for those recuperating from physical or mental illness that encourages rehabilitation through the performance of activities required in daily life. 

PT=Physical Therapy=the treatment of disease, injury, or deformity by physical methods such as massage, heat treatment, and exercise rather than by drugs or surgery. 

So generally speaking, OT has to do with getting back life skills and PT has to do with helping injury or discomfort.

I have noticed that whenever Gregory is "off" as in not feeling well, having a cold or flu, having his meds out of balance, having emotional highs or lows ... his neck is the first to go. It lists to the right with chin to chest and looks very uncomfortable and painful.

When you try to help him move his head back to "normal" he winces and/or "ouches." So both Manny and I give Gregory lots of back rubs and use pillows to help support his head when watching TV or eating or whatever.

I made this a priority because I know that good posture has always been important to Gregory and having back/neck problems myself, I know how painful having your body out of alignment can be.

Medicare has strict guidelines for when they will pay for OT/PT and only for a certain amount of time and if the patient shows continued improvement. Gregory has had several sessions since last January which eventually expired for one reason or another.

Periodically I approach the head nurse and ask her to ask for a re-evaluation by the OT/PT staff to see if therapy would be right again for Gregory and if he again meets Medicare requirements. 

A few weeks ago, he once again qualified and after three sessions a week, his neck has been looking much better. 

Following are a few videos that Manny took with his iPhone (a gift from Gregory and me) of today's treatment. You can see how comfortable and relaxed Gregory gets during these treatments. 

His therapist, Pam, is quite wonderful and Gregory has come to trust her with electro stimulation, massage, and using special support tapes on his neck.

Pam asks, "Does it feel good?"

Gregory replies, "Yes. I love it!"

Gregory is resting after electro-stir, massage, and heat pack.

Manny is singing gently in the background.