Faculty Profile: Allison Allgier, OTR/L
Changing the Outcome
Allison Allgier always knew she wanted to work with children. Originally, she wanted to be a psychiatrist, and was even accepted into a program at a prestigious college as a high school senior in Kentucky.
That same year, when two of her friends were in a serious automobile accident, Allison's career plans changed. One of her friends did not survive, and the other suffered a severe head injury. Allison was involved in his rehabilitation process, acting as one of his peer tutors when he returned to school. From this experience, Allison discovered her passion for occupational therapy.
Allison has been an occupational therapist since 1992, treating a variety of injuries and conditions. When she learned the Brachial Plexus Center at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center was specifically recruiting a therapist - rather than a nurse - to manage the care of its patients, she knew she'd found her niche. Brachial Plexus (BP) injuries are often very complicated, and have traditionally been a challenging time for patients and their families; a therapist would be more familiar with the care of BP patients, providing an excellent resource for families.
Usually diagnosed at birth, brachial plexus injuries are caused from an excessive stretch of the brachial plexus nerves that result in incomplete sensory and / or motor function of the upper extremities.
Many brachial issues can be treated through special therapeutic techniques, including:
- Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES), which utilizes electrodes placed on muscles for stimulation and encourages strength and growth.
- Joint Mobilization, hands-on movement that mobilizes and works the joints to increase the muscle's range of motion.
- Taping, facilitating the use of and increasing strength in muscles through taping on the skin, for additional support.
Each of these techniques requires special training for brachial plexus injuries, and is often unique for each patient. Allison's background gives her the right combination of skills to perform these techniques successfully.
Allison is an integral part of this team, working closely in therapy with both patients and their families to ensure all their needs are met. "I love being a part of the team, changing the outcome for patients and their families while keeping everything smooth and positive," she says.
All in a day's work
In her role as occupational therapist and clinical coordinator, Allison works closely with families and the BP team to determine individualized goals for each patient. "It's important that we determine and strive for whatever is significant to them in their life," Allison says.
When she isn't caring for her patients in therapy, she's responding to the families' needs; organizing clinic information for the kids and working with the team to document specific plans. Allison also facilitates visits for out-of-town families while maintaining communication with their local therapists.
Many times, families have questions about the Brachial Plexus Clinic because the patient has only recently been diagnosed and may not understand the injury. Allison directs the family to educational materials on the website and walks them through the process, step by step. "It can often be overwhelming, and I think families are so thankful and appreciative for the resources and education," Allison says.
"When families call, we know exactly who they are, who their child is, and where they're at in the process," she says. "Families are so grateful that we care about their kids; they're not just a number."
"The family is the leader of the team."
Family-centered care is of the most importance to Cincinnati Children's and the BP team. From the beginning, there is a strong emphasis on realizing what each patient and their families wish to receive from their individualized treatment. "The team realizes the family is the leader of the team," says Allison. "It's all about what the family wants."
"It's fun to see the kids improve and meet their goals, whatever they may be," she continues. "Seeing the results of the treatment plan for the kids is amazing. It can be life-changing for them, and it definitely improves their quality of life."
"Even after families stop coming to the clinic, we'll still get emails about how they're doing and where they are," she says. "I love what I do. It's very rewarding."
