Simon Tan, Occupational Therapist - Integrated Rehabilitation And Wellness Centre

Myofascial Pain Syndrome: When Pain Comes From Muscle Load

By Simon Tan, Occupational Therapist / 2026-02-06

Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) is a common misunderstood source of persistent discomfort.Many people experiencing this type of pain are told […]

Illustration showing quadratus lumborum syndrome, highlighting lower back pain and the location of the quadratus lumborum muscle.

Pain Management

Quadratus Lumborum Syndrome: A Source of One-Sided Lower Back Pain

By Simon Tan, Occupational Therapist / 2026-01-22

Lower back discomfort is often described in broad terms, yet not all lower back pain comes from the spine itself.

Pain Management

Occupational Therapy for Pain Management: Living Better With Ongoing Pain

By Simon Tan, Occupational Therapist / 2025-12-08

Pain is not just a feeling in one part of the body. When it goes on for weeks or months,

Trigger finger (stenosing tenosynovitis) with a visibly locked or bent finger position, demonstrating difficulty in smooth finger movement.

Pain Management

Trigger Finger (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): When a Finger Catches, Clicks or Gets “Stuck”

By Simon Tan, Occupational Therapist / 2025-11-11

Trigger finger is a common condition where a fingers catch, click or lock when we bend or straighten the finger.

Stroke Rehab

The “Golden Period” for Stroke Rehabilitation: Why Timing Matters, and Why It’s Never Only About One Window

By Simon Tan, Occupational Therapist / 2025-10-01

When people first hear the phrase “golden period for stroke rehabilitation”, it can sound both hopeful and frightening. Hopeful, because

Diagram illustrating learned non-use after stroke, showing how repeated failure and compensation lead to reduced use of the weaker arm.

Stroke Rehab

Learned Non-Use After Stroke: Why the Weaker Arm Gets “Forgotten”

By Simon Tan, Occupational Therapist / 2025-09-15

After a stroke, many people are surprised by how quickly they start doing everything with the stronger arm. At first

Comparison of dry needling and acupuncture techniques performed on the shoulder region, highlighting differences between Western trigger point therapy and traditional Chinese practice.

Pain Management

Dry Needling & Acupuncture: How Two Needle-Based Approaches Differ in Origin and Concept

By Simon Tan, Occupational Therapist / 2025-08-08

In recent years, conversations about pain, muscle tension and movement-related discomfort have led many people to encounter two similar-looking terms:Dry

Illustration showing occupational therapy after stroke, with a therapist guiding upper limb functional training during daily activity practice.

Stroke Rehab

How Occupational Therapy Helps Stroke Survivors Return to Daily Activities

By Simon Tan, Occupational Therapist / 2025-08-08

When a stroke happens, life often changes in an instant. Movements feel unfamiliar, thinking is slower, energy is lower, and

Pain Management, Functional Training & Wellness

Piriformis Syndrome: When Deep Hip Discomfort Affects Sitting, Walking, and Activity of daily living

By Simon Tan, Occupational Therapist / 2025-07-07

Piriformis syndrome is a condition that hides in the deep layers of the hip.The piriformis muscle is small, but it

Illustration showing cognitive rehabilitation after stroke, with a therapist guiding problem-solving and memory cognitive training activities.

Stroke Rehab

Cognitive Rehabilitation After Stroke: Helping the Brain Think, Remember and Organise Again

By Simon Tan, Occupational Therapist / 2025-06-16

After a stroke, changes are not only seen in movement and strength. Many people notice that their thinking feels different:

Author name: Simon Tan, Occupational Therapist