Suzanne Click, Author at West Texas Rehab

Author: Suzanne Click

Why WorkSTEPS, Why West Texas Rehab

Posted on by Suzanne Click

Why WorkSTEPS and the West Texas Rehab Center?

Are your injuries and medical costs increasing?

Do you have an aging workforce who may not be able to safely perform their job?
Do your injured employees have to wait a couple of days to see a doctor?
Is your lost time cost increasing because you don’t have a modified duty program?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, we can help!

The West Texas Rehab Center staff has 32 years experience helping employers solve problems related to
hiring, handling work injuries and compliance with DOT and OSHA regulations. This is the ONLY place in
town with this much experience. We are focused on customer service and are the only WorkSTEPS provider in the area.
WorkSTEPS is a standardized and ADA compliance employment test that was developed in 1986 and is designed
to assist employers in policy and procedure development for managing employee testing pre and post injury.
Did you know that 7% of all applicants cannot safely perform the essential functions of the job they are
trying to get? This test is designed to help weed out those 7% that are going to increase your medical and
lost time costs. Employers who implement WorkSTEPS save at least 50% on their medical costs in the first year.
WorkSTEPS is the largest employment testing database in the world. There have been over 1,000,000 tests
completed and that number is growing everyday. There is a national network of providers that numbers over 640 and is in 48 states with more added monthly.

Also, WorkSTEPS is the only test that is legally defensible and has been tested in court. Jackson Lewis
Employment Law Firm (one of the largest in the nation) wrote the white paper supporting WorkSTEPS policies and procedures.
Through our Employer Services Department at West Texas Rehab, we can get you more information on WorkSTEPS if you’re interested in learning more.

Call us to set up a time to come into the office and see a test in action. We would love to help you save money.

Abilene- 325-793-3400

San Angelo- 325-223-6300

Ozona-325-392-9872

Why do children fake a hearing loss?

Posted on by Suzanne Click

Why do children fake a hearing loss?

It happens more often than you might think!  A child comes in for testing and the results just don’t add up.  Or maybe we test them more than once and each time the results are different.  Why would a child go to all the trouble to fake a hearing loss?

There are several reasons why:

  1. A reason to get out of school.
  2. A way to get attention from a parent or guardian.
  3. A cry for help- a way to let health professionals know there are problems at school (bullying) or home (neglect, alcoholism/drug abuse, divorce, etc.).
  4. As an excuse for poor academic performance at school. 
  5. A way to feel “special” or stand out from the crowd.

Exaggerated hearing loss occurs in about 2% of pediatric hearing evaluations.  It is most common in or with:

  1. 8-16 year olds
  2. Females
  3. Failed hearing screening with no other issues
  4. Foster system/adoption
  5. Depression/anxiety

How do Audiologists “catch” the exaggerated hearing loss?

Audiologists can use several different types of tests to distinguish between an exaggerated loss and a true hearing loss.  Most of these tests are objective, that is they do not require any response from the child.  Other tests are conducted to see if the child will respond the way we would expect them to if they have normal hearing or a true hearing loss.  Am I giving away more details than that?  No way!  We have to keep a few tricks up our sleeves!

Often parents already suspect that their child might be “faking it.”  Recently I had a parent tell me that she started noticing a change in attention-seeking behavior in her pre-teen when a new baby arrived in the family.  A colleague shared a story of a teenager faking a hearing loss up until she was on the operating table to get a hearing implant!  As Audiologists we must always remain open-minded and savvy when working with pediatric patients.  Our goal is always to find the true status of hearing for a child, and to do it with utmost respect for that child and their family.  If you suspect any hearing issue for your child, don’t hesitate to ask the Pediatrician for a referral for a hearing test.

Why You Shouldn’t Be Scared of the Word “Hospice”

Posted on by Suzanne Click

For many people, the word hospice sparks an immediate sense of fear. It’s whispered quietly in hospital rooms, often followed by tears, uncertainty, or silence. We associate hospice with endings — the end of treatment, the end of hope, the end of life.

But what if we looked at hospice differently?
 What if hospice wasn’t a word to fear, but one to embrace — a form of compassionate care focused on living fully, comfortably, and with dignity?

Hospice Isn’t About Giving Up — It’s About Focusing on What Matters

Hospice care isn’t about stopping care; it’s about changing the type of care you receive. Instead of focusing on curing an illness, hospice focuses on comfort, quality of life, and support — for both patients and families.

When medical treatments become more burdensome than beneficial, hospice offers a shift in priorities: from extending time at all costs to making the most of the time that remains.

It’s not giving up hope; it’s redefining it.
Hope can mean relief from pain, meaningful conversations, laughter with loved ones, or simply peace at home surrounded by those who matter most.

Hospice Helps Patients Live Better — Not Just Longer

Many people are surprised to learn that patients who enter hospice care sometimes live longer than those who don’t. That’s because hospice focuses on holistic wellbeing — managing pain, reducing anxiety, and creating an environment of emotional and spiritual support.

When someone is cared for by a team that understands their physical and emotional needs, they can often relax, find comfort, and reclaim moments of joy that illness had taken away.

Families Find Support, Too

Hospice isn’t just for the patient — it’s for the family. The journey through serious illness can be overwhelming. Hospice teams include nurses, aides, social workers, chaplains, and counselors, and volunteers who help families navigate every step. They provide guidance, respite, and grief support that continues long after a loved one has passed.

Families often say, “I wish we’d called hospice sooner.”
That’s because once they experience the warmth, compassion, and peace that hospice brings, they realize it’s not about dying — it’s about living well until the very end.

Hospice Is About Dignity and Choice

One of the greatest gifts hospice gives is control. It allows patients and families to make decisions that reflect their values and wishes. Whether that means spending time at home, listening to favorite music, or being surrounded by loved ones — hospice ensures that those final days are spent with dignity and intention.

Changing the Conversation

It’s time we change how we talk about hospice.
 It’s not a dark, final word. It’s a word that stands for comfort, compassion, and care.

When we remove the fear and stigma, we open the door to meaningful conversations — about life, love, and what truly matters most.

So if you ever hear the word “hospice,” take a deep breath.
 It doesn’t mean the end. It means help, peace, and support are available — for both you and your loved ones.

For more information about Hospice and Bereavement Services available through

West Texas Rehabilitation Center which covers Abilene, San Angelo and 27 surrounding counties contact us today: 

 

Hospice of San Angelo- 325-658-6524

Hospice of the Big Country- 325-793-5450

Four Benefits of Dry Needling

Posted on by Suzanne Click

Four Benefits of Dry Needling

Dry Needling is a therapeutic treatment in which a trained, certified therapist inserts a small, sterile, microfilament needle directly into a myofascial trigger point in the muscle.  This helps release muscle tension and pain, boosts blood flow, diminishes inflammation, and prompts a healing response.  Read on for the top four benefits of dry needling:

Get fast pain relief

Most people associate trigger points with knotted muscles in their shoulder, upper back, and neck.  But these “knots” can arise in any part of your body and be associated with many conditions, from low back and sciatica to headaches and overuse injuries.

Your pain improves as the knot relaxes and blood flow improves. Better circulation means that painful, acidic wastes get carried away while your muscles receive the oxygen and nutrients they need to heal.

Regain your range of motion

Few things stop you from moving like tight, painful muscles.  If you have multiple trigger points, you may experience severely limited mobility.  And when you’re not active, your muscles weaken and lose mass.

Our physical and occupational therapists include dry needling in your comprehensive therapy program to restore your range of motion and rebuild your strength.  Clinically, we see improved muscle length, flexibility, strength and a corresponding decrease in pain with our patients following dry needling treatments.  Therapy further helps retrain your muscles, and this helps to prevent future trigger points.

Accelerate your recovery

Whether you suffered an injury or had surgery, moving your body is the best way to promote healing and speed up your recovery. Physical or Occupational therapy will set you up with an individualized plan specific to your recovery and adding dry needling to this therapy plan can accelerate the healing process.

Improve chronic pain conditions

Dry needling is a non-medicated treatment that goes a long way toward easing chronic pain conditions such as myofascial pain syndrome, migraines and fibromyalgia. Dry needling improves nerve communication and activates the release of your body’s natural pain relievers. Used in conjunction with other therapies such as stretching, strengthening, and re-educating muscle movement patterns, many chronic pain conditions can be successfully treated.

Many patients experience an immediate reduction in local and widespread pain after one dry needling session.  Others may need several sessions to achieve optimum pain relief.  Your treatment plan depends on the severity and number of trigger points.

For more information about dry needling services offered at West Texas Rehabilitation Center please contact our Adult Therapy departments at San Angelo (325-223-6300) or Abilene (325-793-3400).

National Rehabilitation Awareness Week

Posted on by Suzanne Click

National Rehabilitation Awareness Week, celebrated annually during the third week of September, promotes the significant benefits of rehabilitation services—including physical, occupational, and speech therapy—for individuals recovering from illness, injury, or surgery. The week highlights the remarkable progress patients achieve, honors the dedicated professionals who guide their recovery, and educates the public on how these specialized services help people regain independence and improve their overall quality of life.

 What is National Rehabilitation Awareness Week?

  • A Time for Awareness:
    It’s an annual event that raises awareness about the crucial role rehabilitation plays in the health and well-being of communities. 
  • A Celebration of Progress:
    The week recognizes the incredible journey of patients, from severe injuries or chronic conditions to regaining their independence and achieving their personal goals. 
  • An Honor for Professionals:
    It provides an opportunity to celebrate and thank the physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and other dedicated professionals who provide essential care. 

Why is it Important?

  • Physical and Mental Benefits:
    Rehabilitation improves physical strength, mobility, and function, and also significantly contributes to mental health, self-confidence, and a greater sense of well-being. 
  • Restoring Independence:
    Services like occupational therapy help individuals relearn daily activities, while physical therapy focuses on regaining strength and mobility, both vital for returning to a full life. 
  • Broader Impact:
    Rehabilitation services are essential not just for major life changes but also for managing chronic conditions, preventing future injuries, and improving the overall quality of life for people of all ages. 

What Can You Do?

  • Learn More:
    Explore the diverse range of rehabilitation services available, which can include physical, occupational, and speech therapy, as well as animal-assisted therapy. 
  • Connect with Professionals:
    Reach out to a local rehabilitation provider to learn how they can support you or a loved one in recovery. 
  • Spread the Word:
    Share the benefits of rehabilitation and encourage others who could benefit from these services to seek help. 

Why Wait to Hear Your Best?

Posted on by Suzanne Click

It is human nature to put things off. We can say, “I’ll get to that later”. Oftentimes we do this about our self care. We tend to put ourselves last. Have you or someone you love been putting off doing something about your hearing?

Unfortunately I have heard patients say, “I’ll get hearing aids when my hearing gets real bad.” That is the worst lack of action that we can do. Have you ever experienced something becoming harder to do as you age? Wearing hearing aids for the first time in your 60’s is very different from wearing hearing aids for the first time in your 80s. I see patients struggle to even get the hearing aid in their ear correctly. We have something called muscle memory. Muscle memory is a neurological process that allows you to remember and perform certain movements with less conscious effort after repeated practice. The sooner we start wearing hearing aids when we need them, the better.

Presbycusis is the natural deterioration of our hearing system as we age. Hearing doesn’t get better with time, it gets worse. We hear and process sound with our brain. Hearing “lights up” certain areas of the brain. Hearing loss is depriving the brain of “lighting up”. We have heard the saying, “If you don’t use it, you lose it.” Hearing aids help with this. Hearing aids provide sound stimulation to the brain, so those areas are “lighting up” again. Also, our ability to recognize the clarity of speech can be preserved the sooner we start wearing hearing aids.

So, why wait to hear your best? Be proactive with your hearing healthcare and schedule an appointment with us today. Call us at 325-223-6360. We look forward to being a part of the journey to your BEST hearing!

 

Written by: 

Adrianne Miller, AuD

Doctor of Audiology, Director of WTRC Hearing Center

Summer Time Hearing Aid and Implant Care

Posted on by Suzanne Click

Summer Time Hearing Aid & Implant Care: How to Stay Cool and Connected

Summer brings sunshine, beach trips, and outdoor adventures, but it also brings heat, humidity, and sweat, which can pose unique challenges for hearing aid users. Whether you’re heading to the pool or hiking your favorite trail, it’s important to keep your hearing aids protected and performing their best. Here’s how to enjoy your summer without missing a beat, or a sound.

1. Moisture is the #1 Problem. Hearing aids are sensitive to moisture, and in summer, sweat and humidity can easily sneak into microphones and receivers. Water-resistant doesn’t mean waterproof. Pools, oceans, and sudden rain showers can all spell trouble.

  • Use a dehumidifier or hearing aid drying box overnight.
  • Wipe your hearing aids regularly with a dry, lint-free cloth.
  • Consider using hearing aid sweatbands or protective covers if you’re active outdoors.
  • Remove your hearing aids before swimming or showering.
  • Keep a waterproof storage case with you when at the beach or pool.
  • Be mindful of sunscreen and bug spray. Spray away from your ears and apply before putting in your devices.

2. Beat the Heat. Extreme heat can damage the internal components of your hearing aids. Avoid leaving them in hot places, especially cars or direct sunlight.

  • Store hearing aids in a cool, dry place.
  • Don’t leave them on a towel at the beach or a table in the sun.
  • Use a ventilated case when not wearing them.

4. Stay Active, Stay Secure. Summer often means increased activity such as hiking, biking, and playing sports. Make sure your hearing aids stay put.

  • Use retention cords or clips to secure your devices.
  • Take breaks in shaded areas to cool off and check your devices.

5. Plan Ahead When Traveling. Vacation season can disrupt routines, so pack smart.

  • Bring extra batteries or a charging cable.
  • Pack your hearing aid cleaning tools and storage case.
  • Look up hearing care providers near your destination just in case.

With a little planning and care, your hearing aids can handle everything summer throws your way. Following the above tips will allow you to focus on enjoying the sounds of laughter, waves, splashing, music, and more. If you’re ever unsure about maintenance or need a tune-up, call us today to schedule an appointment. Summer is here!

Unplugged and Outdoors: Screen-Free Summer Activities for Kids

Posted on by Suzanne Click

As the school year ends and long summer days stretch ahead, many parents are wondering how to keep their kids entertained without screens taking over. While a little screen time isn’t harmful, too much can lead to restlessness, disrupted sleep, and missed opportunities for real-world fun.  Fortunately, summer is the perfect time to encourage creativity, physical activity, and good old-fashioned play. Here are some of the best screen-free summer activities to keep kids happy, active, and engaged — no Wi-Fi required!

1. Backyard Adventures

You don’t need to leave home to spark imagination and exploration:

  • Backyard Camping: Set up a tent, make s’mores, and tell stories under the stars.
  • Scavenger Hunts: Create lists of nature items to find (a feather, a smooth rock, a red flower).
  • Obstacle Courses: Use cones, pool noodles, or whatever you have to build a fun, challenging course.

2. DIY Arts and Crafts

Let kids get messy, creative, and proud of what they make:

  • Nature Collages: Gather leaves, twigs, and flowers for a textured masterpiece.
  • Rock Painting: Turn found stones into ladybugs, monsters, or kindness rocks to hide around town.
  • Friendship Bracelets: An old favorite that builds fine motor skills and patience.

3. Water Fun Without the Screens

Beat the heat with some classic water play:

  • Sprinkler Games: Run, dance, or limbo through it!
  • DIY Splash Pad: Lay out a tarp, turn on the hose, and let the giggles begin.
  • Water Balloon Baseball: A splashy twist on a summer favorite.

4. Garden Growing and Bug Watching

Kids love seeing things grow — and tiny creatures up close:

  • Grow Your Own Snacks: Plant fast-growing seeds like radishes, lettuce, or cherry tomatoes.
  • Build a Bug Hotel: Use sticks, leaves, pinecones, and recycled containers to make a cozy spot for critters.
  • Butterfly Watching: Learn about local species and try to spot them on walks or in your yard.

5. Explore the Great Outdoors

Make the most of parks, trails, and nature preserves:

  • Hiking with a Twist: Let kids lead the way or create a trail map together.
  • Creek Wading and Stone Skipping: Simple joys that never get old.
  • Picnic Parties: Let them help pack a lunch, bring books, and make it a full afternoon adventure.

6. Cook Together

Get kids in the kitchen for fun, tasty learning:

  • No-Bake Recipes: Try homemade granola bars, frozen yogurt bites, or fruit kabobs.
  • DIY Pizza Night: Let each child build their own mini pizza with favorite toppings.
  • Lemonade Stand: Great for math skills, social interaction, and entrepreneurship!

7. Old-School Games and Challenges

Reintroduce the classics or invent your own:

  • Jump Rope or Hopscotch: Easy to set up and great exercise.
  • Board Game Tournaments: Invite neighbors or siblings for a game-day showdown.
  • Daily Challenges: Set a fun goal like “learn to hula hoop” or “write a poem about summer.”

Keep It Simple, Keep It Fun

Summer doesn’t have to be perfectly planned — kids thrive when they have freedom to explore and be bored. That boredom can be the beginning of something creative, spontaneous, and joyful. A screen-free summer might just become their favorite kind.

So put down the tablet, grab a bucket of sidewalk chalk, and dive into a season of real play, real connection, and real fun.

The Power of Early Intervention: Why Speech Therapy Can’t Wait

Posted on by Suzanne Click

The Power of Early Intervention: Why Speech Therapy Can’t Wait
 Celebrating Better Speech and Hearing Month – May

Every child deserves the chance to express themselves clearly, confidently, and fully. Yet, for many, speech and language challenges can create barriers in communication that affect learning, relationships, and emotional well-being. That’s where early speech therapy intervention becomes a powerful tool—and during May, Better Speech and Hearing Month, it’s the perfect time to raise awareness about its critical role.

Why Early Intervention Matters

Speech and language skills begin developing from the moment a child is born. By the time they reach preschool, these skills form the foundation for literacy, learning, and social interaction. Delays or difficulties in communication—whether with articulation, language comprehension, fluency, or voice—can have lasting impacts if not addressed early.

Here’s why early intervention is so essential:

1. The Brain Is More Adaptable at a Young Age

Neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to change and adapt—is at its peak during early childhood. This means young children are better able to learn new speech and language patterns, making therapy more effective when started early.

2. Reduces the Risk of Academic Struggles

Children with untreated speech and language disorders often face challenges with reading, writing, and classroom participation. Early support can bridge those gaps and prepare them for school success.

3. Boosts Social and Emotional Development

Clear communication helps children build friendships and navigate their world with confidence. Without it, they may feel frustrated, isolated, or misunderstood. Early therapy empowers them to connect with others in meaningful ways.

4. Increases Long-Term Independence

The earlier a child begins therapy, the more likely they are to reach communication milestones that support greater independence in school, work, and daily life.

May Is Better Speech and Hearing Month

Every May, we celebrate Better Speech and Hearing Month, a national campaign led by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) to promote understanding about communication disorders and the importance of early treatment. It’s a time to educate families, caregivers, educators, and healthcare professionals about how speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and audiologists can make a profound difference.

This year’s theme encourages us all to be proactive—whether that means getting a hearing screening, scheduling a developmental evaluation for your child, or simply starting a conversation about speech therapy with someone who may benefit from it.

What You Can Do

  • Watch for signs. Trust your instincts. If your child isn’t meeting speech milestones or struggles to be understood, talk to a pediatrician or SLP.
  • Act early. Don’t wait for your child to “grow out of it.” Early help leads to better outcomes.
  • Share awareness. Use this month to spread the word about the importance of speech and hearing health.

Speech therapy is more than correcting sounds—it’s about opening the doors to expression, confidence, and connection. By prioritizing early intervention and recognizing May as Better Speech and Hearing Month, we can give every child the voice they deserve.

If you have questions or concerns about  your child’s speech or language development, reach out to our Pediatric Therapy Departments in San Angelo (325-223-6300) or Abilene (325-793-3400).   

Understanding the Role of a Pediatric Occupational Therapist: Celebrating Occupational Therapy Month in April

Posted on by Suzanne Click

Understanding the Role of a Pediatric Occupational Therapist: Celebrating Occupational Therapy Month in April

April is a special time to celebrate the impact of Occupational Therapy (OT), and it’s the perfect moment to shine a light on one of its vital branches: pediatric occupational therapy. With April being Occupational Therapy Month, it’s important to recognize the invaluable work that pediatric occupational therapists (OTs) do to help children develop the skills they need to thrive in daily life.

What is Pediatric Occupational Therapy?

Pediatric occupational therapy focuses on helping children of all ages develop the fine motor, cognitive, social, and sensory skills necessary for everyday activities. While many people associate occupational therapy with adults recovering from injuries or surgeries, pediatric OTs specialize in supporting children who may be facing challenges in their development, whether due to medical conditions, disabilities, or developmental delays.

The goal of pediatric occupational therapy is to promote independence, safety, and confidence, both at home and in school. A pediatric OT works with children, families, and teachers to develop personalized treatment plans that help kids learn essential skills for self-care, play, schoolwork, and social interaction.

What Does a Pediatric Occupational Therapist Do?

A pediatric OT’s role can be quite diverse, depending on the needs of each child. Here are some key areas they focus on:

1. Fine Motor Skills Development

Pediatric OTs help children develop the small muscle movements necessary for tasks like writing, tying shoes, and using utensils. They work with kids on hand-eye coordination, hand strength, and finger dexterity to ensure they can complete these important tasks independently.

2. Sensory Integration

Many children experience sensory processing challenges, meaning they may have difficulty processing certain sensory stimuli like sounds, textures, or lights. Pediatric OTs use specific strategies and activities to help kids regulate their sensory responses, helping them feel more comfortable in their environments.

3. Self-Care and Daily Activities

Pediatric OTs teach children how to take care of themselves, including dressing, feeding, grooming, and toileting. The goal is to help children develop the independence to perform these tasks on their own and feel confident in doing so.

4. Cognitive and Social Skills

OTs work on cognitive skills like problem-solving, planning, and attention. They also focus on helping children with social skills, including taking turns, communicating effectively, and managing emotions. This area of therapy can be particularly important for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or attention-related challenges.

5. School Readiness

Many children benefit from occupational therapy to help with school-related tasks, including sitting still, maintaining focus, writing, and using tools like scissors. OTs work closely with teachers and parents to ensure that a child’s learning environment is supportive and that they can participate fully in school activities.

Pediatric occupational therapists play an essential role in helping children build the skills they need to live full, independent lives. From improving fine motor skills to helping children navigate sensory challenges, their work ensures that children can engage in the activities that are important for their growth and development. During Occupational Therapy Month, take a moment to appreciate the incredible work these professionals do and the positive impact they have on the lives of children and families. Whether it’s through therapy sessions, community outreach, or awareness campaigns, pediatric occupational therapists are dedicated to helping kids thrive—today and in the future.