OT conversations

In this episode, we dive into the world of critical care occupational therapy and ask:👉 What’s the most frequent sensory stimulation we provide in ICU?👉 How do we really promote early engagement with patients who are barely responsive?From tactile input and proprioception to cognitive-perceptual retraining, I’ll walk you through how OTs use stimulation and engagement as the first steps toward recovery.It’s reflective, it’s practical, and it’s about making our hidden work visible.✨ Tune in, share with a colleague, and remember: anything you do matters, and has an outcome.

How do you explain what you do when you can’t say your job title? In this episode, I share my experience in a high-pressure hospital board meeting, where I had to define occupational therapy without the words “occupational therapist.” I talk about the struggle, the stumble, and the reflection that followed — and what it taught me about adapting our language to different audiences.This isn’t just about boardrooms. It’s about how we, as OTs, communicate our value so that it truly lands.

Chorea and OT“Chorea — sudden, dance-like movements that a person can’t control. But behind the movements are real challenges: eating, dressing, walking, even joining in social life. In this episode of OT Conversations, we’ll explore what chorea is, why it happens, and most importantly — how occupational therapy steps in. From adaptive strategies to assistive tech, from safety to identity — join me as we uncover the OT role in helping people live well with chorea.”

What if I told you there’s a part of your brain that doesn’t play the music, but makes sure the orchestra is in rhythm? That’s the basal ganglia—a set of deep brain hubs that control movement, habits, and even motivation.When it works well, you move smoothly, you learn skills, you stay focused. But when it breaks down—think Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, or even OCD—life gets a lot harder.Join me in this episode of OT Conversations as we explore the basal ganglia, the brain’s hidden conductor.

In this episode of OT Conversations, Hao explores Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) — a condition that often goes unnoticed compared to Alzheimer’s, yet profoundly affects the lives of patients and families. We break down what FTD is, how it differs from other dementias, and the unique ways it can change behavior, language, and social relationships.You’ll learn about the different types of FTD (behavioral variant, primary progressive aphasia, and movement-related forms), the symptoms to watch for, and the diagnostic process. More importantly, we’ll talk about management strategies, the vital role of occupational therapy, and how families can adapt to support loved ones living with this condition.This episode is for therapists, health professionals, caregivers, and anyone curious about how dementia can look very different from what you might expect.