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Occupational Therapy and Pelvic Health Therapy |
Diane Douglas OTR/L
Diane Douglas is an Occupational Therapist licensed in North Carolina. Diane graduated from the College of St. Catherine in St.Paul, Minnesota in 1991. Since 1991 she has worked in a variety of traditional therapy settings including acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, home health, long-term care, and outpatient centers throughout Western North Carolina.
In 1998 Diane initiated her education in manual therapy through the School of Integrative Manual Therapy. Subsequently in 2004 she completed research treating urinary incontinence which was funded by a grant from a not-for-profit local hospital in Western North Carolina and was provided with research and statistical direction from Western Carolina University. The research focused on utilizing manual therapy techniques, pelvic floor exercises, and external electrical stimulation. The research resulted in positive statistically significant outcomes. This led to the only evidence-based program in Western North Carolina for treatment of urinary incontinence.
Diane’s current professional focus is in the expansion of her manual therapy skills while integrating various other therapeutic approaches to address comprehensive pelvic health issues and upper extremity/hand issues in order to maximize each client’s ability to perform meaningful activities. She is able to offer these services to both adults and children.
What is Integrated Manual therapy?
Integrative manual therapy (IMT) is a combination of "hands on" treatment methodologies that promote physical symmetry, soft tissue integrity, improve circulation and space between/within structures while utilizing balanced/supportive musculature. The goal of IMT is to create an optimal environment for regaining system health.
What is an Occupational Therapist?
An Occupational therapist (OT) is a national and state board certified/medical professional who treats clients with physical, cognitive, visual, visual-perceptual, and emotional deficits in order to maximize independence in activities of daily living, independent living skills, vocational, and avocational pursuits.
How does IMT and OT work together?
Performance of functional activities is ideal when compensatory strategies are not required. IMT is a tool that assists in regaining/gaining optimal systematic function while other occupational therapy frames of reference reinforce integration into functional performance.
OT and IMT benefit:
*Urinary incontinence
*Pelvic pain and limitations in movement
*Fecal incontinence
*Sexual dysfunction
*Menses cycle regulation
*Upper extremity (shoulder to hand)
* limitations in range of motion
* pain
* sensory deficits (numbness/tingling ect.)
* swelling
* decreased coordination (gross and fine)
*Insurance note: Medicare and most insurance policies recognize and pay for outpatient occupational therapy services. A doctor’s order is required for reimbursement.
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