Hi. i am Lawrence Jackson a patient of Mrs Nembhard Occupational Therapy programme at The OT Clinic. I was suffering from terrible back pain. I went to several professionals but they all ended with no result, leaving me feeling disappointed and frustrated. I did a MRI which gave me a result of bulge disc. It was then, my company (doctor) referred me to The OT Clinic at St Joseph’s Hospital for the work hardening programme Upon starting the programme, Mrs Nembhard examined and evaluated my condition. She explained the steps that we would take to help me manage my terrible pain within the 6 weeks of the programme. She also explained that these exercise and practices would have be a part of my daily activities forever. Each activity was properly explained and demonstrated by Mrs Nembhard herself, then Ms Wright would oversee to ensure that I did these activities correctly and took breaks at the right time. Simulated activities and exercise was not all, I had to participate in back school and did a lot of tests on my body structure and safety measures on how to protect my body from future incidents. Within week three that continuous back pain had subside from a 10 to a 6. This made me feel motivated and confident to press on and through Mrs Nembhard and Ms Wright who gave me a pat on the shoulder made me feel dedicated and persistent to endure this journey. I find myself lifting my feet higher, now I can take a walk without feeling that terrible pain. Now I am fitter than before and can play with my girls without having the need to go lay down and tell them that I am sleepy when the pain kicks in. I now know the correct position to stand and how to do chores around the house. I am a true testimony that the work hardening programme at The OT Clinic works. The programme ended with me feeling quite knowledgeable and competent in handling my life long injury. I exercise two times daily to strengthen my core muscles as well as do my stretches. This has helped to elevate myself from that terrible back pain.
