DEAR DR. GOTT: I am writing in regards to your answer to the 74-year-old woman with carpal tunnel. Please don’t discount occupational therapy as a valid treatment option. Therapists are educated and trained in the treatment of the upper extremities as well as management of pain and restoration of function for daily tasks. We would have provided this woman with modalities, stretches, custom splints and effective home programs. Each patient gets a custom-designed plan of care. Please let your readers know about occupational therapists.

DEAR READER: Not everyone is aware of what an occupational therapist (OT) actually does, so I will explain. OTs work with a variety of people of all ages with mental, physical, emotional or developmental disorders. Their goal is to help patients improve [Read more...]