Volunteering @ GPT

One of the therapists built this entire gym!

There is such a diverse supply of equipment; a trampoline, zip line, ball pit, monkey bars, tunnels, rock climbing wall, you name it! The most interesting thing to see is how the therapists use the equipment in unconventional ways to keep it "interesting" or more specific for the individual being treated. Working with little ones is challenging in itself, & to facilitate an effective therapy session, you have to keep up with the child. No wonder being creative is a key component of being successful in OT~ you have to continually think on your feet! They generally work alongside children with disorders but are not limited to that. They can also work with kids who have bad eating habits, who are hyperactive, who have a speech impairment, who are fearful, etc.

There are such interesting things about the profession (i.e., what the therapists seek out). You think the kids are merely playing, but OTs are looking for motor planning skills, gaging if the child needs probing (tool to help kids identify their position in space), etc... I'm still learning a whole lot & it just gets more & more interesting!!

Yesterday, I heard about the use of kinesio tape. I think it's used in sports medicine to tape up injured joints or for muscle support. Anyhow, they discovered the benefits behind using it with pediatric patients. It can be used to help with oral motor control (articulation), lip/mouth closure (which can also help decrease drooling), & overall jaw stabilization. I wonder if it'll work on adults who sleep with their mouths open? HAHAHAH!! To read more about kinesio tape...