Patient Education

what is occupational therapy

Occupational therapy is the science of daily performance: no other profession comprehensively evaluates and treats the effects of an injury or illness in all areas of a client’s life. This means that OTs address functional challenges across the lifespan in settings such as work, home, school, and community activities. This is especially important in the case of brain-related challenges, as optimal cognitive and emotional function is required to successfully navigate daily life. When you work with an OT, you can expect client-centered services addressing the goals you identify as important, whether you’re being seen in a hospital, a community clinic, or a private practice setting. At Braintrust®, your occupational therapy plan will involve identifying and treating the cognitive and emotional effects of your injury at home, work, community, and/or school.

What is telerehabilitation

Telerehabilitation is a method of practice that allows a therapist and a client to work together virtually, through a secure internet video portal. It’s very similar to working in-person with a therapist, except you can do so from the comfort and familiarity of your own home, whether that home is down the street or across the country. As long as you have a smartphone, tablet or computer, and an adequate internet signal, Braintrust® can come to you rather than you coming to the office.

What is a concussion / mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI)

“Concussion” is the common term used for a more medical term: “mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI).” They’re the same thing!

A concussion is any blow to the head that results in an interruption in the way your brain normally functions. This can mean anything from being dazed or seeing stars to being knocked unconscious. Concussions can come from hitting your head when you fall, car accidents, sports collisions, assaults, or in the case of the military, blast waves from explosions. Concussions have been a part of life since before the stone age, but we’ve only recently recognized how challenging they can be!

Fortunately, most people with concussions (even multiple concussions) recover 100 percent; however, around 10 percent do not. These people can have challenges in a variety of areas of brain function, and those challenges can significantly affect their lives. Symptoms from a concussion can include some (but not necessarily all) of the following:

 

  • Difficulty thinking, concentrating or remembering
  • Trouble controlling your emotions, such as frustration, anxiety, or depression
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Vision complaints
  • Noise sensitivity
  • Problems sleeping

Dr. Matthew Dodson, the founder of Braintrust® Services, is an occupational therapist with over fifteen years of experience in rehabilitation at patient care, administration, and consulting levels. Located in Fort Collins, Colorado and providing a variety of services across North America both in-person and virtually, you can read more about his background in civilian and military healthcare here.