This semester we
have started to learn manual muscle testing (MMT) and how to take range of
motion (ROM) with a tape measure and a goniometer. It is really exciting to
start to get hands on. So far we have only done the neck for range of motion,
but we have done the trunk and neck for MMT. It is amazing how important
practice is. I was practicing with friends after class today, and it was
amazing how many different times we had to rearrange our bodies to be able to
take the measurements. An experienced practitioner would know exactly how to
position themselves, and the right order to do all the testing, so that the
impact on the client was minimal. Book learning is only going to get you so far
on these skills.
Today in mental
health we formed four different groups for different projects. Group work is a
big part of occupational therapy school. Group selection is a little different
in the second semester. People have friends that they like to work with, other
people want to work with people they do not hang out with, and sometimes people
who like to get work done early seek the others who like to get work done
early. Let's hope all these projects run smoothly.
The other big
happening this week is we got to meet the family that is building the house
that we are help designing. I am assigned to work on the bedroom for a 15 year
old boy with Duchene Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). I was a little disappointed
because he spends most of his time in the common areas currently, but I know we
are going to make his room so awesome that he is going to spend all his time
there. I have a to-do list that is a mile long, so I should get a start on
that.
