Other OT-Related Information Can I get through being an OT with rods in my back?

[calling4color]

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Hi everyone,

I am applying to OT school in the fall. However, I have screws & rods in my back from scoliosis surgery years ago. I know performing transfers is an essential part of being an OT, however, I think it also depends on the specialty? I observe at an upper extremity clinic where they sit in a chair and do not do any lifting at all. However, this is extremely boring to me as I do not want to do upper extremity anyway- I would want to work with brain injuries, elderly, and basically patients who most likely require transfers.

I have lifted people up before- my major was exercise science and i trained developmentally disabled people, (who were obese) meaning I had to lift them up off the exercise mat either with assistance from them (me pulling them up with my hands) or someone helping to assist me. If I can do that, could I do a regular transfer?

From what you know, whether it be personal experiences, what you do in OT school, and any other information you may have, do you think I would benefit from pursuing OT? or doing a less physically demanding speciality? I am applying in the fall regardless, but I was thinking about becoming a physicians assistant if that falls through, since there are no transfers or heavy lifting involved.

I appreciate everyones responses, as I have thought long and hard about this over the past few years. I even emailed an admissions person about it last year, but she kind of discouraged me saying lifting was an integral part of being an OT.

Thanks

 

[cb31]

Hi everyone,

I am applying to OT school in the fall. However, I have screws & rods in my back from scoliosis surgery years ago. I know performing transfers is an essential part of being an OT, however, I think it also depends on the specialty? I observe at an upper extremity clinic where they sit in a chair and do not do any lifting at all. However, this is extremely boring to me as I do not want to do upper extremity anyway- I would want to work with brain injuries, elderly, and basically patients who most likely require transfers.

I have lifted people up before- my major was exercise science and i trained developmentally disabled people, (who were obese) meaning I had to lift them up off the exercise mat either with assistance from them (me pulling them up with my hands) or someone helping to assist me. If I can do that, could I do a regular transfer?

From what you know, whether it be personal experiences, what you do in OT school, and any other information you may have, do you think I would benefit from pursuing OT? or doing a less physically demanding speciality? I am applying in the fall regardless, but I was thinking about becoming a physicians assistant if that falls through, since there are no transfers or heavy lifting involved.

I appreciate everyones responses, as I have thought long and hard about this over the past few years. I even emailed an admissions person about it last year, but she kind of discouraged me saying lifting was an integral part of being an OT.

Thanks

If you have Facebook, request to be apart of this group: DisabilOT - OTs with disabilities (https://www.facebook.com/groups/DisabilOT/) ... Ask your question there too, I think it may be most helpful for you.

 

[hGmatureapp]

I think you should still pursue OT but just a reminder that you will need to go through all sub-specialities before deciding on a speciality and therefore transfers will inevitably be required throughout your course.

A less physically demanding speciality would be psychiatry and orthopeadics

Geriatrics and stroke patients tend to slump to one side due to physcial weakness and you may be apprehensive when transfering them

work rehab is also another speciality that you may want to be aware of given that the training area will be full of weights etc.