What I learned about Health Promotion

Being able to sit in on Professor Flick's presentation/lecture on Health Promotion was really amazing.  Firstly, I could tell just how excited/passionate she was about presenting the information to us, which made it more interesting and fun to learn about.  I learned a great deal in the presentation, things I believe will stick with me years down the road, especially once I start practicing as an occupational therapist.  The social determinants of health were some of the major takeaways from the presentation. Some of the things that we learned about that are considered social determinants were a little surprising, but after Professor Flick went over them, they all made sense.  And none felt more important than others.  One of the other major takeaways I had from the presentation was the difference between occupational deprivation, apartheid, and alienation, and how they are often not seen separately, but happen almost simultaneously, especially depending on the situation. 

Scapulohumeral Rhythm

The clinical relevance of the scapulohumeral rhythm is that it plays a major role in the function of the shoulder.  Due to the complexity of this rhythm, it can greatly affect ROM measurements/movements of the shoulder.  Firstly, the ratio of movement between the scapula and humerus must be addressed.  For full 180 degrees of motion, the scapula moves 60 degrees, and the humerus moves 120 degrees.  When dysfunction occurs, abduction of the glenohumeral joint can be affected.  This is prevalent in when someone tries to lift their shoulder and there is a large substitution in trunk flexion to try and lift the arm up into the air.  The scapula is controlled greatly by the serratus anterior muscle, and if the muscle is not working properly, the scapula may wing, which would cause the shoulder to not be able to lift and may cause impingement or rotator cuff problems.  The scapulohumeral rhythm also allows for good length-tension relationship, so if a problem occurs with the rhythm, such relationship may be affected as well.  

Independent Work: What Did I Learn?

I learned a great deal from the independent work we had to do from this past week.  I learned about Assistive Technology and how beneficial it can be for those who have a disability, whether if it is mild or closer to severe.  Learning about the different myths of AT devices was also new knowledge for me.  When I was observing at a clinic that specialized in pediatrics, I was able to see how AT devices are used, and how many different kinds of AT devices there are!  The amount is infinite and I just find it so fascinating how far our advancements have become to allow these types of devices to be able to help those with disabilities.
The TED Talk by Michael Nesmith was also very insightful.  He is a man who was born deaf and has been deaf his whole life.  His talk was on the idea and usage of universal design, which explains devices or things that are designed to be used by all people, without adaptation or modification to the design of the product being used.  I thought his talk was very inspirational and I loved how he used the snowball going down a hill analogy to explain the effect of universal design, how if people continue to pursue it, it will eventually come to fruition.  And I believe that is how AT devices should be looked at.  They're not meant to be there to show others that the person has some form of disability, but are meant to be there to give the person functional capabilities.  It gives back their sense of independence, which is very important.

Test Positioning

It is important to use bony landmarks and proper positioning for measuring ROM because both allow for a better, more accurate reading when measuring range of motion.  Especially when using a goniometer, bony landmarks and proper positioning are important for reliable measurements for future treatment plans.  The purpose of the "test position" for MMT is to have the muscle placed for optimal muscle contraction for the most accurate MMT reading.  The relevance of the gravity eliminated position is for when clients cannot test above a 3 on the MMT scale.  By eliminating gravity, they eliminate resistance and give the client a better opportunity to measure their muscle strength without having to worry about gravity being in place. 

Analysis of a Motion During a Daily Activity

One of the most common actions, or movements, I do almost every day is straightening my hair.  The major joints used during the act of using my straightener are the shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints.  When I go to lift the straighter towards my head, my shoulder moves in both the sagittal and frontal planes, making my shoulder also move along both the frontal and sagittal axes.  My elbow moves mainly along the sagittal plane and frontal axis, while my wrist joint moves about the sagittal plane and frontal axis to twist the straightener along my hair.  In terms of arthrokinematics, the shoulder joint spins about the ball-and-socket mechanism, giving it the ability to move within all three planes.  When the elbow is flexed to lift the straightener up, the primary mover is the biceps brachii, which concentrically contracts when the elbow is flexed.  

What I Learned about Therapeutic Relationships

The major takeaways I got from last class on therapeutic relationships is how incredibly important they are.  Creating a good, healthy relationship between the therapist and client is important because it establishes trust and builds rapport for future sessions.  We learned what to do and not do as a therapist when working with a client, as well as the best methods to creating a good therapeutic relationship.  From my personal experience, at the clinics I observed at during undergrad, I witnessed great therapeutic relationships that made the clients feel comfortable and able to talk about their situations and problems that they wanted to focus on or fix.  I could tell they trusted the therapists I was working with.  My goal is get better at doing that and building trust with people.  I haven't always been the best at communicating well with those that I do no know, but that is something I want to get better at. 

Guest Speaker Discussion

Based on Dr. Keisling's presentation on the 14th of March, 2019, and the TEDx Talk that we were to watch before today's session, the main takeaway I found from both is a need to treat those with disabilities as equals.  Ever since I was a child, I was taught to treat everyone with respect and encouragement; to not discriminate based on ethnicity or race, and certainly not based on whether someone is able-bodied or not.  What I learned from these two presentations was how prevalent ableism was in U.S. society, even up until the most recent years.  How, only within the past few decades or so have we seen an increased awareness and respect for those who have disabilities.  How it is important to look at an individual with a disability, as an individual, not whatever they carry with them.  It is important to listen to these individuals, especially as professionals in the world of rehabilitation, to talk to them and figure out what works best for them on an individual level.

Learning about all that I have learned today has put into perspective how important this type of treatment can be in the world of OT.  As a future occupational therapist, I have to remember that how I treat my clients on an interactive level will be crucial in their progress.  Treating them with respect and dignity is of utmost importance in the world of rehabilitation.  Treating them as equals is also important, as well as not addressing them as just what they have, but who they are.  Knowing their dreams and aspirations, their goals, habits, etc., make for a better, more personable experience with them.  It is important to remember this as an occupational therapist, because our whole approach is about being client-centered.  We must remember that when it comes to those with disabilities, as well.