"Occupational Therapy?" I actually noticed this place in my neighborhood driving around sitting in pain looking for parking after work. A medical clinic with rehabilitation therapy? I decided to walk around the corner one Saturday morning and see what they had to offer. "Occupational Therapy"? i mean I already have a job! I googled it and was not certain this could help me. At that point I have had back and neck pain consistently for 4 years.
I have been to different chiropractor's and physical therapists for 4 years as much as my insurance would pay yearly. The treatments worked decreasing pain to 3/10 but pain always comes back when not going to therapy. This year my insurance max for physical therapy was already exhausted....soooo nothing to lose lets's see what this occupational therapy is all about. I was able to walk-in and have a free consultation as advertised on their sign. The occupational therapist William was pleasant, caring and knowledgeable. After explaining what occupational therapy was the only thing I remembered was how they treated patients that have "any" limitation that affects their daily activities.
In my case "pain". So I set an appointment and he was able to fit me in that Monday. The evaluation session was extensive and unexpected. He didn't just ask about my physical pain, evaluate and treat it. He asked detailed questions about my home life, work life, social life, children pets??? He explained that the occupational therapist looks at all aspects of the clients life as everything is related.
He identified numerous (15+) ergonomic and postural inconsistencies that directly related to my neck and back pain. The therapy sessions were similar to physical therapy with modalities and exercises But they also used functional examples simulating the (15+) ergonomic and postural inconsistencies. All exercises were explained and tailored to loosen, stretch and strengthen muscles for those specific ergonomic and postural inconsistencies. Even without a fancy gym after 2 months following this program my pain in my neck and back went from a constant 6/10 down to 2/10.
After 6 months and following the customized home exercise plan William created for me I am now totally pain free and can tolerate sitting at my desk all day with 3-4 movement breaks as instructed! I Love New York City who would have thought I could find relief in the office of an "Occupational Therapist" read more