Stralsund receives a new motor center: DRK extends occupational therapy offer!

Stralsund receives a new motor center: DRK extends occupational therapy offer!

The German Red Cross (DRK) recently opened a new occupational therapy facility in the Health Center of the Strelapark, which has established itself as the largest of its kind in the district of Western Pomerania. After the former division of practice rooms with physiotherapy, patients can now use their own area for occupational therapy, which includes several treatment rooms, a group therapy room and a modern motor center. This expansion is no coincidence: the demand for occupational therapy appointments has risen on a bumping basis, which made the enlargement of practice necessary, as the Ostsee newspaper reports.

The clientele of occupational therapy is diverse. From children with developmental delays to older people who need support after operations or strokes, numerous patients find adequate therapy here. In addition, a growing proportion of patients stands out: people who suffer from Long Covid. These affected people are often confronted with symptoms such as fatigue and memory restrictions, which significantly restrict their quality of life.

Occupational therapy and Long Covid

dealing with Long Covid is a challenge that also takes into account the current guidelines for rehabilitation. About 6 % of the people suffering from Covid-19 report three months after the illness of health problems. These symptoms can vary and include breathing difficulties, concentration disorders and even mental illnesses. An updated S2K guideline gives orientation towards rehabilitation and shows that individually adapted therapies for those affected by post-covid are essential. According to the German Society for Occupational Therapy, the offers are all about interdisciplinary and multimodal approaches, which focus on both physical and psychological symptoms.

The DRK adapts to these new challenges. Around half of the patients in occupational therapy are children, but also the everyday impairments that throw their shadows with Long Covid also make a special offer necessary. "Our new group therapy rooms with a workbench and ceramic frame enable us to help us together, especially children and adolescents and affected adults," says DRK Managing Director André Waßnick.

does the need for occupational therapy grow?

With the additional team of six new occupational therapists who will start their work from September, nothing stands in the way of the growing need for appointments. These therapists will also make home visits and support integrative daycare centers and schools. The current fact with waiting lists shows that the demand is unbroken. But the new specialists will help to expand the capacities quickly and to provide the necessary therapies more quickly.

The new opening of occupational therapy in the Strelapark is a positive step in the health care of the region. In view of the increasing number of patients, especially with regard to the long-term consequences of Covid-19, it is of great importance for both those affected and for the entire healthcare system that the supply gaps in therapeutic treatment can be closed quickly. Because every step counts in order to regain the quality of life and everyday skills.