Retired toxicology professor returns to pickleball with help from WVU Occupational Therapy 

Adults involved with occupational therapy can expect much more than a focus on return to work. When a hand injury impaired retired toxicology professor Dr. Mark Reasor, he lost the ability to play pickleball. As a sport involving elements of badminton, tennis, and ping-pong, hand function is essential to safe and successful performance. Dr. Reasor attended occupational therapy sessions with Certified Hand Therapist SueAnn Woods, MOT, OTR/L, CHT, assistant professor of Occupational Therapy at West Virginia University. According to Woods, who is also an alumni of the West Virginia University occupational program, "when Dr. Reasor arrived to his first session, we reviewed the history of his hand injury and developed a plan." Since Reasor had attended prior hand therapy sessions focusing on range of motion and strength at his winter home in Florida with little improvement, Woods decided to take a different approach. In doing so, Woods commented that "since he was nearly a year out from his injury with persistent limitations in leisure activities, I decided to focus on adapting his ability to hold the pickleball racquet, rather than focusing on his lack of flexibility. Initially, a custom yoke splint supported his finger and improved his hand function. Now he utilizes a buddy strap and padded glove to minimize the discomfort."

The plan has proven to be a success as Reasor reports that he has been back to playing on a regular basis. He stated, “even though I still can't bend my middle finger all the way to my palm…and there is periodic pain, my playing is not hindered by my finger.”