Alike, but not quite: Occupational- and Physio-Therapists Explain
#60Stories
Improving the quality of life of Persons with Intellectual Disability (PWIDs) does not happen in isolation. At MINDS Woodlands Employment Development Centre (WEDC), a multi-disciplinary team works together to support every PWID client, enabling them to live and work as independently as they can.
Two important roles in the Allied Health Professional (AHP) team are occupational therapists (OT) and physiotherapists (PT). While these two roles are often mistaken for each other, they perform distinct functions to support each clients’ development.
We join PT Ms Syuhada Binte Emanan, 32, and OT Ms Rebecca Murray, 26, at WEDC as they share more about the similarities and differences of their professions and the clients they work with.
Hi Syuhada and Rebecca!
Can you share more about the work PTs and OTs do with PWID clients, and the misconceptions people may have about these roles?
Both: People often assume both professions are the same and substitute each others work scope.
Syuhada, PT: Whenever I meet my clients, I assess their fitness level and guide them through some exercises to improve their strength, endurance and balance. I also focus on helping them manage any musculoskeletal injuries. They usually get homework from me—specific exercises for them to do in their own time at the centre or at home.
Rebecca, OT: Every day, I assess the work skills of the PWIDs who are placed in our MINDS employment programmes. They could be packing materials, performing cleaning tasks or learning how to count money to prepare themselves for job opportunities. Based on what I observe, I may suggest adjusting their work tasks to match their abilities. I also observe them carrying out activities of daily living and see how I can help them to manage better.
What inspired you to pursue a career in physiotherapy and occupational therapy?
Syuhada, PT: I find a lot of meaning in helping people enhance their health and well-being. Being able to move well is so important to our quality of life. In the special needs sector, I get to work with other AHPs to provide PWIDs with holistic care. It’s very satisfying!
Rebecca, OT: I first learned about occupational therapy during my part-time job in my schooling days. I felt drawn to the calling. With MINDS, I love that I get to help PWIDs become more independent, reduce their chances of injury and live a safer, more meaningful life.
Could you share with us about one of your most memorable clients?
Syuhada, PT: I had a senior client who thought she couldn’t get around without her walking stick. We worked together to strengthen her lower limbs and improve her sense of balance. Now she walks fine around the centre without her walking stick!
Rebecca, OT: I had a young client who relied on his parents or the centre’s transport to get from home to WEDC. We worked on his ability and confidence to take public transport so that he could commute to and fro on his own. His parents were very thankful.
What can caregivers do at home to help PWIDs improve their skills in doing activities of daily living?
Rebecca, OT: (Caregivers can) make them responsible for completing a specific household chores. The more opportunities they get, the better they can build their skills. Perfection is not the focus here.
What’s an exercise that you’d recommend for PWIDs?
Syuhada, PT: It depends on their age and condition. We have a MINDS home exercise handout that we give to all of our clients. Caregivers should take a look and pick some suitable ones to do together at home.
Working in tandem with each client
WEDC client Lim Sok Kheng, 58, has been undergoing both occupational therapy and physiotherapy with Rebecca and Syuhada since 2021. She works at the MINDS Craft unit, where she helps to tie ribbons and count the items required for their handicrafts.
During her occupational therapy sessions, Rebecca observes Sok Kheng at work and suggests ways to help Sok Kheng complete her tasks independently.
When Sok Kheng moves on to her physiotherapy session with Syuhada, they work through strengthening exercises for the quadriceps and hamstrings. These help to lessen the knee pains that Sok Kheng has been experiencing due to osteoarthritis.
“I like to use the bicycle. I feel good after my exercise,” Sok Kheng says with a smile.
As Syuhada and Rebecca summarise, both careers are rewarding and inspiring. OTs and PTs collaborate to implement interventions and adaptations that enable clients to achieve higher degrees of independence in their daily lives.
As MINDS celebrates its 60th anniversary, we celebrate our Allied Health Professionals who provide holistic, client-centric care to our clients with special needs.
Allied Health Professionals play a vital role in helping our clients nurture the skills required to improve their quality of life. Learn more about our therapy services like physiotherapy and occupational therapy here.
Interested in making a difference in the lives of children and adults with special needs? Explore careers with MINDS here.
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