Debbie qualified in 2006 and has worked in a variety of settings, including acute hospitals, community, and inpatient rehabilitation. She is skilled in completing holistic occupational therapy assessments and formulating targeted evidence-based treatment plans for a range of musculoskeletal and psychological conditions affecting working age and older adults, including those who have served in the armed forces.
Currently working in occupational health, she has an interest in chronic pain and fatigue management, including Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome. She is well practised in formulating realistic return to work plans or to avoid absence due to psychological or musculoskeletal conditions.
Debbie has experience working with people recovering or adjusting to illness, post fracture, injuries or surgery, including amputations. This work includes prescription of equipment, minor home adaptations, wheelchair assessments and falls prevention strategies. She also has specialist skills in the assessment and rehabilitation of the hand and upper limb post-trauma or surgery, including peripheral nerve injuries, rheumatological conditions, desensitisation treatment and scar management. She is also able to advise on appropriate splints.
An area of her specialism includes screening for mental health disorders and implementing interventions and facilitating self-management strategies for anxiety, low mood, stress and PTSD. These include mindfulness, relaxation and cognitive behavioural technique strategies.