Van der Wath Occupational Therapy Inc.

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Van der Wath Occupational Therapy Inc.

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16/03/2026

Ever wondered how Occupational Therapists make custom splints? ✋

We use thermoplastic material that becomes soft when heated, allowing it to be moulded to the exact shape needed for each patient.

The process:

• Trace and cut the pattern
• Heat the thermoplastic
• Shape and mould the splint
• Add straps for support and comfort

Each splint is custom designed to protect healing structures, improve positioning, and support functional recovery.

Simple tools. Skilled hands. Meaningful outcomes.

12/03/2026

🧠 MEMORY IS NOT ONE THING.

After stroke or brain injury, patients often say:
“I just can’t remember.”

But memory has different systems — and each one plays a role in daily function.

As Occupational Therapists in neuro rehab, we:
✔ Assess specific memory systems
✔ Identify how they affect real-life tasks
✔ Implement practical strategies
✔ Support independence at home and work

Memory rehabilitation is functional — not just paper-and-pencil tasks.

10/03/2026

🧠Anita’s Therapist Thought of the Month🧠
Choosing to Learn

Last week I had the privilege of attending an Advanced Bobath Course, where I was one of 16 therapists learning from Mark Michelan, an IBITA Advanced Instructor. Experiences like this always remind me what a privilege it is to work in a profession where learning never truly stops.

This was my second advanced Bobath training course, and once again it left me with the same realization — there is always more to learn.
Every course expands my understanding of movement, recovery, and the incredible adaptability of the nervous system. Being able to bring that knowledge back to my patients is what makes me so passionate about continuing to grow in this field.

But the course also made me reflect on something deeper: learning is a choice.

As OT’s, we choose to invest time, energy, and curiosity into growing our knowledge so that we can better support our patients. In many ways, rehabilitation asks the same of the people we work with. Recovery is not only about treatment sessions — it is also about the willingness to stay curious, to try again, to adapt, and to learn new ways of doing things.

The patients who embrace learning as part of their recovery journey often discover progress they didn’t think was possible. Growth happens when we remain open to learning — whether we are therapists or patients.

And that is one of the most powerful parts of rehabilitation: we learn together.

Seeing the simple “hand box” (image 2) of items Marc uses during treatment was a great reminder: therapy doesn’t need fancy or shiny equipment. 🤲🏽

With the right knowledge, clinical reasoning, and creativity, even the simplest tools can become powerful therapy resources.

27/02/2026

✨ The Hidden Work of OT ✨

What you often don’t see in therapy is the thinking behind the doing.

OTs are constantly:
🧠 Planning meaningful activities
🔍 Problem-solving barriers as they arise
🔧 Adapting tasks and environments
📈 Grading activities up or down to find the just-right challenge

Behind every “simple” task is careful analysis — balancing cognition, movement, fatigue, emotion, safety, and context.

Because recovery isn’t just about doing more…
It’s about doing what matters, in a way that works for the person.

That’s the hidden work of OT.

24/02/2026

🟠 NeuroRise Support Group 🟠

At our practice we are fortunate to create a space once a month for survivors of stroke and head injuries to come together. 💛

Our first topic for the year was “My Recovery Roadmap”—exploring how everyone’s journey is similar, yet uniquely personal, with challenges, milestones, support, detours, and roadblocks along the way.

Recovery does not happen in isolation—this is a place to share, support, and rise together, because healing is stronger when we do it together. 🤝

19/02/2026

💭Renandi’s Therapist Thought💭 for the month!

Meaning Looks Different for Everyone🌿

One of the most beautiful parts of being an OT is discovering what ‘meaning’ looks like for each person.

For one patient, meaning is buttoning a shirt without help.
For another, it’s holding a pencil again, stirring a pot, or simply sitting through a session without feeling overwhelmed.

What matters isn’t the task itself — it’s the story behind it, the identity it restores, and the hope it sparks. ✨

Meaning is personal, and when we honour that, something shifts: people begin reconnecting with the parts of life that make them feel like themselves again.

16/02/2026

🧠 What are “OCCUPATIONS”?
In Occupational Therapy, occupations are not just jobs — they are the meaningful activities that fill our day and give life purpose.

After injury, these everyday occupations can feel suddenly difficult. That’s where OT steps in 💛

Here’s how we look at occupations in adult neuro & physical rehab:

🧩 Daily Living
Getting dressed, bathing, eating, moving safely at home

🌙 Sleep & Rest
Establishing routines, positioning, energy conservation, quality rest

🩺 Health Management
Medication routines, symptom management, attending appointments

💼 Work
Returning to work, adapting tasks, pacing, cognitive and physical demands

📚 Education
Learning new strategies, compensatory techniques, health education

🤝 Social Participation
Connecting with family, friends, community and support groups

🎨 Play & Leisure
Hobbies, creativity, exercise, activities that bring joy

🗂️ Management (Instrumental ADL’s)
Planning, organising, finances, household tasks, community access

OT is about getting back to life in ways that matter to you.

12/02/2026

🌊 Resilience in Motion 🌊

In June 2025, Sibongile survived a stroke. After working tirelessly on her recovery, she was faced with another stroke more recently.

And yet — she keeps showing up.💪
Twice a week.
Focused. Determined. Committed to regaining her independence.

As part of her therapy journey, OT Kyla and our physio colleague Durrah, took Sibongile to the beach during a session — her first time back since her stroke. A simple outing for some, but a deeply meaningful moment filled with joy, fresh air, and freedom for her. 🌊☀️

Recovery isn’t only about exercises and milestones.
It’s about returning to the moments that make life feel like life. ✨

Sibongile’s journey is far from over, but her strength, perseverance, and ability to find joy along the way remind us what true resilience looks like 💙

09/02/2026

💜 World Epilepsy Day 💜

Epilepsy care goes beyond seizure control.

Occupational Therapist help identify risks in daily activities and adapt environments so people can stay independent and safe. 🏡🛌🍽️

✔️ Home safety
✔️ Energy conservation
✔️ Task simplification
✔️ Assistive devices
✔️ Confidence in daily routines

Small changes can make a big difference 💜

06/02/2026

We couldn’t resist jumping on the caricature trend - but made it us 🌱

04/02/2026

🎗️World Cancer Day🎗️

Cancer treatment affects every part of life — not just the diagnosis.

At Van der Wath Occupational Therapy, we support individuals through cancer treatment, recovery and survivorship by focusing on function, independence and quality of life.

Every journey is different — your therapy should be too.

📍 Individualised OT care
📍 Function-focused rehabilitation
📍 Holistic, person-centred support

👉 If you or a loved one could benefit from OT support during or after cancer treatment, get in touch with us or send us a DM to find out how we can help.

Address

Unit 4 Sunningdale Suites Business Park, 12 Wildwood Close
Melkbosstrand
7441

Telephone

+27662005769

Website

http://Www.otblouberg.co.za/

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