As a premier provider of physical and occupational therapy in the community for over 10 years, Chautauqua PT, OT & SLP Professionals has helped patients improve function and relieve pain through individualized treatment programs.
Physical and occupational therapists evaluate and treat the underlying cause of a person's dysfunction. A therapist, working in conjunction with other medical professionals, utilizes conservative and non-invasive procedures. Restoring health and eliminating pain are the goals of successful therapy.
Question: My husband recently had a stroke. I have noticed lately that his behavior has been changing. He has been running into furniture, reading half of a newspaper article and only eating the food on the right side of his plate. Could there be something wrong with his vision or is this all part of the stroke?
Answer: Well, the answer is both. When a person has a stroke it primarily affects one side of the body. It also may affect one side of his visual field. A person often neglects activities and objects on the affected side. Some examples include: not using the affected arm, skipping over text on one side or difficulty clearing steps with the affected leg.
Each stroke and its results differ with each patient. Occupational therapy can address visual perceptual dysfunction - including visual field deficits - from a stroke and other causes as well.
Question: I live with and take care of my grandfather who recently had a stroke. He has been to therapy and has improved greatly with his overall function. However, there are still concerns with him not recognizing his left side. Is there anything I can do at home with him to encourage him to recognize his left side?
Answer: Simple modifications to his daily routine can help make the difference. Placing visually stimulating items such as the large button remote control or a bold display alarm clock to the left can encourage looking to the left side.
Using the affected hand as a helper by placing it on the table or arm chair to steady items like a plate or book can also increase visual scanning and recognition of both sides. Visual markers such as a large red line on the affected side can provide a visual cue for scanning as well.
Other modifications include large print, contrasting colors, decreasing visual patterns and other simple changes that an occupational therapist can assist you with.
Question: I was in a car accident and suffered from a head injury. Due to the injury, I have suffered from a visual field loss on the left side. I have been nervous to drive again. Will I ever regain the visual field loss so I can safely drive again?
Answer: We recommend you contact a registered, licensed occupational therapist to address visual therapy needs in all areas of daily living; not just driving. The occupational therapist will not only address the visual perceptual deficits but can also refer you to a transportation consultant who can effectively evaluate your driving skills.
While driving is a skill that provides a great deal of independence, it is essential to ensure safety for the person and the community sharing the roadway. It is good that you recognize this issue and important that you address those concerns with a trained professional, such as an occupational therapist.
We commonly treat orthopedic problems such as back, neck, shoulder, knee, ankle and wrist pain as well as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. We see patients post-automobile and/or work injury. We offer post-operative rehabilitation and treat stroke and neurological dysfunction as well.
Chautauqua PT, OT & SLP Professionals is a progressive outpatient clinic in the Riverwalk Center. Our therapists are highly trained, caring and professional. We offer free consultations, accept most insurance and have convenient hours. Call us at 488-2322 to schedule a free consultation today.
You may submit your questions to be answered to Judi Goerke, Chautauqua PT, OT & SLP Professionals, 15 S. Main St., Suite 220, Jamestown, NY 14701 or by e-mail to at jgoerke@chautauquapt.com. Please remember that not all questions can be answered here but will be answered if a return address is supplied.