OT conversations

Personal Independence Payment — or PIP. You’ve probably heard of it, maybe even applied for it. But do you really know what it’s about? It’s not about diagnosis. It’s about how your condition affects your daily life — washing, dressing, cooking, moving, engaging with others In this episode, we’ll talk about PIP and the unique role of occupational therapy. We’ll explore how OTs complete functional...

Let me ask you this—have you heard the rumour that some hospitals in the UK are stopping occupational therapists from taking vital signs? I hope it’s fake news, because if it’s true, that’s the slow death of our profession. Vital signs are not optional. They’re the foundation for safe, functional retraining. If we’re not monitoring them, then what are we really doing—just activity provision? That’...

Ever felt dizzy or lightheaded when standing up? That could be orthostatic hypotension—a sudden drop in blood pressure that affects safety, independence, and daily life. In this episode of OT Conversations, Hao, your occupational therapist, unpacks what orthostatic hypotension is, why it happens, and the symptoms to watch out for. We explore causes ranging from dehydration and medications to neuro...

“Today on OT Conversations, we’re diving into Discharge to Assess. Why did the NHS bring it in? How did therapy response times — especially ours as OTs — play a role? We’ll talk honestly about our own shortcomings, why hospital-based assessments weren’t always serving patients well, and how shifting assessments into the community changed the game. It’s not just policy — it’s about risk, independen...

In this episode, we dive into the world of critical care occupational therapy and ask: 👉 What’s the most frequent sensory stimulation we provide in ICU? 👉 How do we really promote early engagement with patients who are barely responsive? From tactile input and proprioception to cognitive-perceptual retraining, I’ll walk you through how OTs use stimulation and engagement as the first steps toward...

How do you explain what you do when you can’t say your job title? In this episode, I share my experience in a high-pressure hospital board meeting, where I had to define occupational therapy without the words “occupational therapist.” I talk about the struggle, the stumble, and the reflection that followed — and what it taught me about adapting our language to different audiences. This isn’t just...

Chorea and OT “Chorea — sudden, dance-like movements that a person can’t control. But behind the movements are real challenges: eating, dressing, walking, even joining in social life. In this episode of OT Conversations, we’ll explore what chorea is, why it happens, and most importantly — how occupational therapy steps in. From adaptive strategies to assistive tech, from safety to identity — join...

What if I told you there’s a part of your brain that doesn’t play the music, but makes sure the orchestra is in rhythm? That’s the basal ganglia—a set of deep brain hubs that control movement, habits, and even motivation. When it works well, you move smoothly, you learn skills, you stay focused. But when it breaks down—think Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, or even OCD—life gets a lot harder. Join me in...

In this episode of OT Conversations, Hao explores Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) — a condition that often goes unnoticed compared to Alzheimer’s, yet profoundly affects the lives of patients and families. We break down what FTD is, how it differs from other dementias, and the unique ways it can change behavior, language, and social relationships. You’ll learn about the different types of FTD (behav...

What happens when the body weakens but the mind stays sharp? In this episode of OT Conversations, we explore MND—its impact, its challenges, and the vital role of occupational therapy. From ALS to adaptive aids, CPAP to communication breakdowns—we talk real care, real people, and why your role matters. ✨ Learn. Anticipate. Adapt. #OccupationalTherapy #MNDawareness #ALS #NeuroRehab #OTConversation...

In this episode of OT conversations I talk to the AHP education lead and I gave her an educational conversation regarding occupational therapy. She had lots of questions about occupational therapy and the answers that she got surprised her because it opened her eyes to the vast and the wonderful nature of occupational therapy. Do listen to this. It’s entertaining and you might pick up some pointer...

“Cognitive-perceptual dysfunction remains one of the most challenging barriers to functional independence. In this episode of Occupational Therapy Conversations, we revisit the Cognitive-Perceptual Frame of Reference, exploring its evolution from the Quadraphonic and Dynamic Interactional models to contemporary practice. We’ll examine how OTs integrate remediation and compensation strategies — and...

“Imagine a pump, smaller than your finger, stepping in to do the work of a failing heart. That’s the Impella — a tiny mechanical device that can keep blood flowing when the heart can’t keep up. In this episode, we’ll explore what it is, why it’s used in life-threatening situations like heart attacks and cardiogenic shock, and the key precautions that keep patients safe. From the ICU to the therapy...

“Today we’re talking about ECGs — the electrocardiogram. It’s one of the most common tests in healthcare, capturing the heart’s electrical rhythm in just a few seconds. For occupational therapists, understanding ECGs isn’t about becoming a cardiologist — it’s about safety and context. An ECG can explain why a patient feels dizzy during a transfer, why activity needs pacing, or why therapy should p...

In this episode of OT Conversations, the focus is on Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV) and its significance for occupational therapists working in respiratory medicine. NIV provides ventilatory support without invasive methods like intubation or tracheostomy. The episode outlines the benefits, functionality, and challenges associated with NIV, explaining key terms like CPAP and BiPAP and their differ...

In this video, Hao and Maria discuss the use of Tumble Forms, a modular seating system, for a young child with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). They emphasize the importance of proper positioning to support breathing and monitor the child's respiratory levels. The discussion covers a specific case where the child, with poor trunk muscle control, was gradually introduced to semi-upright positions usi...

“What if a simple electrical pulse or a gentle compression could keep ICU patients from losing precious muscle strength?” Hi, I’m your Occupational Therapist, Hao, and on this episode of Occupational Therapy Conversations, we’re venturing into the high-stakes world of critical care, where ventilators breathe, ECMO oxygenates, and groundbreaking adaptive aids are rewriting the rehab playbook. Join...

“Ever wondered what happens to the brain when oxygen runs low—and how an occupational therapist can tip the scales from crisis to meaningful recovery? Hello, I'm Hao , your Occupational Therapist. In this episode of RiOT Co nversations , we dive into hypoxia and cerebral hypoxia —those silent, rapid-fire events that can turn everyday routines upside-down in seconds. You’ll learn about the four sys...

Strap in for a no‑filter ride with Hao, "your Occupational Therapist". While commuting to work, Hao dismantles the myth that “there’s no evidence for OT in ECMO,” and argues the real crisis is therapists ignoring decade‑old biomechanics. From tilt‑tables to trunk control, Hao lays out a back‑to‑basics blueprint for critical‑care rehab—then challenges physios and OTs alike to reclaim their lanes. L...

In this episode of OT Conversations, Hao, an occupational therapist, delves into the historical progression of occupational therapy (OT) theory and practice models. Starting from the post-World War II era, Hao explores the inception of the biomechanical frame of reference and touches on foundational models like PNF, Bobath, and the Rood approach. He discusses influential figures, such as Mary Rile...

In this exciting and thought-provoking episode of Occupational Therapy Conversations, Host Hao, an experienced Occupational Therapist, dives headfirst into a controversial subject. Is Occupational Therapy the forerunner of many modern therapeutic disciplines? By tracing its historical roots back to the early 1900s, Hao argues that Occupational Therapy has significantly influenced the fields of phy...

Dive into the fascinating world of muscle contractions with Hao, an experienced Occupational Therapist, in this riveting episode of Occupational Therapy Conversations. Discover the intricate mechanics behind how our muscles work, from the basics of sarcomeres to the complexities of the sliding filament theory. Explore the critical roles of nerve stimulation, acetylcholine, calcium ions, and energy...

Who inspired the Model of Human Occupation? Please tune in to hear about Mary Reilly, the visionary who sparked a holistic shift in occupational therapy (OT) with her influential teachings and philosophy. Learn more in our latest podcast episode! 🎙️ #OTConversations #MaryReilly #OTHistory This RIOT conversation is a celebration and respect to a "Rollicking Individual of Occupational Therapy: Mary...

In this episode of OT Conversations, Hao, an occupational therapist, discusses the critical topic of heart pacing or cardiac pacing, explaining how it regulates heart rhythm when the natural pacemaker fails. The session provides a comprehensive overview of the heart's electrical pathway, indications for cardiac pacing, types of pacemakers, and potential complications. Emphasizing the role of occup...

Welcome to 'OT Conversations' with Hao, your occupational therapist. In this episode, Hao delves into the topic of rib fractures, a common chest injury. He explains the causes, such as trauma from falls or accidents and severe coughing, especially in elderly patients with osteoporosis. Symptoms include sharp chest pains, bruising, and crepitus. Diagnostic methods like chest x-rays, CT scans, and u...