Case Study 2: Physical Rehabilitation

Client Background: Ms. Starlet, a celebrated actress in her late 70s, encountered a severe on-set fall resulting in multiple fractures, including a broken wrist, arm, and leg. These injuries significantly impeded her ability to perform daily activities independently, posing a challenge to her return to work in the entertainment industry.

Challenge: Post-fall, Ms. Starlet faced formidable obstacles in resuming her professional commitments due to the physical limitations resulting from her injuries. Tasks crucial for her acting career, such as script memorization, hand-based scenes, and set navigation, were hindered.

Occupational Therapy Intervention: Following hospital discharge, Ms. Starlet was referred to our home-based occupational therapy program and we conducted an assessment and devised a comprehensive plan to facilitate Ms. Starlet's functional independence and her return to work.

Intervention Details:

1. Rehabilitation Exercises: Implemented a customized rehabilitation regimen focused on enhancing wrist and arm mobility, emphasizing dexterity and strength required for intricate hand movements.
2. Adaptive Strategies: Employed adaptive techniques and activity modifications to accommodate temporary limitations, ensuring Ms. Starlet's engagement in rehearsals and performances.
3. Collaboration and Coordination: Coordinated services with Ms. Starlet's case manager, physical therapist, and medical team to ensure comprehensive care, facilitating a cohesive and integrated approach to her rehabilitation.
4. Home Modifications and Equipment Procurement: Recommended home modifications to establish a safe and accessible environment. Facilitated the acquisition of adaptive equipment and supplies essential for Ms. Starlet's daily routine and work-related activities.

Outcomes: Through concerted occupational therapy efforts and coordinated services:

• Ms. Starlet exhibited significant progress, regaining functional use of her hand and arm, allowing her to resume script memorization and perform scenes effectively.
• Enhanced mobility and independence empowered her to navigate sets confidently and perform essential tasks pivotal for her career.
• Within a few months post-injury, Ms. Starlet successfully returned to work, showcasing determination and resilience in resuming her acting commitments.

Conclusion: The success of Ms. Starlet's rehabilitation journey was a result of collaborative efforts among her, the occupational therapy team, and other healthcare professionals. By addressing her unique needs and coordinating services with her case manager, physical therapist, and medical team, Ms. Starlet regained her functional abilities, returned to her passion for acting, and resumed her professional career. This case exemplifies the transformative impact of occupational therapy services in enabling individuals to overcome challenges and pursue their aspirations.