Occupational therapy treatment of the patient with thermally injured upper extremity

Severe upper extremity burns may mean an indefinite interruption in the style of life to which an individual is accustomed, and the occupational therapist can help the thermally injured patient to regain purposeful activity. Even a simple temporary prosthesis for the amputee, enabling him to write (Fig. 12-17), permits meaningful activity that can reduce boredom, dependence, preoccupation with death, and depression. A vigorous progressive physical and occupational therapy program producing tangible results does more for the patient's morale than any verbal encouragement could possibly do. Finally, the therapist can be more than the "mechanic" of the burn team. In his daily contact with the patient, he can be a "good listener" to whom the patient can verbalize his hostility, anger, resentment, and fear. When appropriate, he may convey this information to the physician, who can help the patient gain insight into some of the problems manifested by his behavior.