Poor compliance is the biggest disadvantage of many of the conservative techniques, in particular wrist splints. Therefore patient education plays a key role in improving compliance and clinical outcomes.
Individuals with CTS or at risk for CTS may benefit from education about the illness, including symptoms of CTS, treatment options, management of symptoms, prevention, as well as occupational and non-occupational risk factors. WRCTS gradually gets worse if exposures continue, therefore it is important for workers to recognize the signs and symptoms early.
Role of the Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists play a large role as educators. Education may be provided to an individual client or a group of people. Specific areas that occupational therapists can have an impact on include,
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Individuals with CTS or at risk for CTS may benefit from education about the illness, including symptoms of CTS, treatment options, management of symptoms, prevention, as well as occupational and non-occupational risk factors. WRCTS gradually gets worse if exposures continue, therefore it is important for workers to recognize the signs and symptoms early.
Role of the Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists play a large role as educators. Education may be provided to an individual client or a group of people. Specific areas that occupational therapists can have an impact on include,
- Splint wearing regimen: emphasize the importance of compliance in terms of splint use to reduce stresses on the nerve and tendinous structures
- Body mechanics & exercises
- Task adaptation: how to modify or eliminate provocative postures and activities
- Adaptive tools
- Workplace adaptations
- Awareness of areas of decreased sensitivity to avoid tissue injury, Ex. pinch or burn injuries
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