The Road to Mobility

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After an illness or injury, it important to take the proper steps of restoring mobility and function with a client. The sequence of mobility with increasing confidence and activity demands is bed mobility, mat transfer, wheelchair transfer, bed transfer, functional ambulation for ADL, toilet and tub transfer, car transfer, functional ambulation for community mobility, and community mobility and driving. Rather than quickly throwing him (or her) into "the ring,” a therapist starts small to help the client restore strength and confidence before providing them with greater challenges. In addition to promoting safety of the client, this method helps prevent further injury and disappointment. 

Before starting OT school, I had not seen every step of this sequence because many of the clients I encountered were highly mobile. However, it makes sense to work from the most basic to the most complex skill in a sequential manner. We don’t try to teach our babies how to walk before they crawl, because it is important for them to learn the simpler task and gain confidence through the experience. As a future OT, I believe that it is just as important to understand the fears and emotions of the client as it is to understand and improve physical function. Thus, working logically and carefully toward the goal seems like a good start to gaining the client’s trust and putting them at ease throughout the therapy process.

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