onTrack Occupational Therapy Services

Laura Stallman is an occupational therapist who has been working with onTrack since 2017. She has experience working with clients to address physical, cognitive, and psychological barriers to staying at or returning to work. Laura is passionate about supporting the management of chronic pain and chronic conditions to maximize function. Her current objectives are to address system level barriers to staying at or returning to work and to streamline how individuals and organizations support wellness at work.   We asked Laura: What makes occupational therapy unique for supporting people to stay at work and/or return to working after an injury? “Occupational therapy uses a broad lens to evaluate and address function, allowing occupational therapists (OTs) to think critically about the multifaceted nature of how our health and workplace intersect. OTs are uniquely positioned to address individual, organizational, and system level factors to support clients in maximizing their function to meet stay-at- or return-to-work goals.” 

October is Occupational Therapy Month: Join us in celebrating the incredible work of occupational therapists who help people return to meaningful activities every day! #OccupationalTherapyMonth #OT #OTMonth #OccupationalTherapy

International Pain Awareness Month: Understanding the Science of Pain Millions of people across the world are living with pain. This September, as we mark International Pain Awareness Month, let's shine a light on how pain works and why understanding it is crucial for better management. Pain is not just a physical feeling—it's a complex experience that involves our brain, nervous system, and emotions. Here are some key points: 1️⃣ Pain Pathway: Signals travel through the nervous system to the brain, which processes and interprets them as pain. 2️⃣ Individual Differences: Each person's pain experience is unique, influenced by factors such as genetics, emotional state, and previous experiences. 3️⃣ Acute vs. Chronic: Acute pain is a short-term warning signal, while chronic pain is a persistent signal that can alter nervous system function. 4️⃣ Integrated Treatment: Managing pain effectively often requires a mix of medical, psychological, and physical therapies. This month, let’s increase our understanding of pain and promote resources for people living with pain, such Pain Canada: https://lnkd.in/gCTPEH7u Citations: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2020). Pain: Hope through research. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved September 3, 2024, from https://lnkd.in/edMBdR4t #InternationalPainAwarenessMonth #PainScience #ChronicPain #PainManagement #UnderstandingPain

Returning to work after an injury can be challenging. Here’s a few ways that our onTrack team can support you to make the transition smoother: 🔹 Support a Gradual Return: Explore whether a phased return with modified duties and/or reduced hours is needed. 🔹 Communication: Clear and supportive communication with yourself, your employer, and/or your case manager. 🔹 Set Realistic Goals: Support the creation of achievable goals and monitor your goal progress. 🔹 Ensure Proper Ergonomics: Adjust your workspace to support your recovery. 🔹 Prioritize Self-Care: Encourage you to maintain a balanced routine with work, therapy, and wellness strategies. At onTrack, we’re here to support you through your return-to-work journey. For personalized assistance, contact us at 905-928-8272 or visit www.ontrackot.ca. Here’s to a successful and smooth transition back to the workplace! #ReturnToWork #InjuryRecovery #OccupationalTherapy #Ergonomics #WorkplaceWellness

onTrack therapists and ergonomists complete workplace assessments and collaborate with employees to address challenges and enhance productivity using the principles of ergonomics. Why are Ergonomics important? Ergonomics plays a crucial role in preventing injuries and improving efficiency. Here are a few essential tips to optimize your office workspace: 1️⃣ Chair Adjustment: Ensure your chair supports your lower back, and your feet are flat on the floor or a footrest. 2️⃣ Computer Monitor Position: Position your monitor at arm's length, with the top of the screen at eye level to reduce neck strain. 3️⃣ Keyboard and Mouse Placement: Keep them close and at the same level to maintain a neutral wrist position. 4️⃣ Take Breaks: Regularly stretch and move around to prevent stiffness and improve circulation. #EmployeeWellness #WorkplaceErgonomics #Productivity #InjuryPrevention

Happy International Self-Care Day! Are you struggling with maintaining a healthy work-life balance? Embracing self-care is crucial - it boosts your health, increases energy, and helps manage stress. Occupational therapists are here to support you in reclaiming all of your favorite activities and achieving a balanced, fulfilling life.    #SelfCare #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #HealthAndWellness #WorkLifeBalance #Mindfulness #SelfLove #StressManagement #HealthyLiving #PersonalGrowth #BurnoutPrevention #TakeCare #HealthyMind #SelfImprovement #OccupationalTherapy #OT Caring for your mental health. (2024, February). National institute of mental health. Retrieved July 15, 2024, from https://lnkd.in/gKhPy6qV.

Did you know that occupational therapists (OTs) play a vital role in rebuilding lives after orthopedic injuries? 💪 Here’s how they make a difference: 1️⃣ Functional Rehabilitation: OTs focus on restoring daily activities like dressing, cooking, and working. 2️⃣ Pain Management: Through tailored self-management techniques, OTs help manage pain and discomfort. 3️⃣ Home Modifications: OTs assess home environments and recommend modifications and/or equipment to enhance safety and accessibility.

Jacquie Gallivan is an occupational therapist at onTrack. She is experienced in collaboratively addressing physical, cognitive, emotional, and environmental concerns with clients, their families, and their rehabilitation team. She has a passion for assisting those with chronic pain, cognitive, and mental health concerns. We asked Jacquie: What is something that you feel is important for clients to know? “Your goals matter! We are here to help you achieve goals that are important to you and your daily life.”

Did you know that occupational therapists (OTs) play a crucial role in concussion recovery? From managing symptoms to gradually reintegrating individuals back into daily activities. OTs provide tailored support for cognitive, physical, and emotional challenges post-concussion. onTrack Occupational Therapists’ holistic approach helps individuals regain independence and quality of life. #OccupationalTherapy #OT #Concussion #Rehabilitation #Healthcare #VisionTherapy

Meet our leader, mentor, and visionary - Tara Emick! Tara is the Director of Clinical Services at onTrack Occupational Therapy Services and an occupational therapist with over 20 years of experience. She brought onTrack to life in 2004, as she was passionate about providing holistic and thoughtful care to ill or injured individuals. onTrack employees can now be found in a variety of settings, including in the community, workplaces, clinic, and long-term care. We asked Tara: What makes occupational therapy unique? “It’s about taking a holistic approach to helping people get back to engaging in their life.”