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Occupational Therapy
From The MS Information Sourcebook, produced by the National MS Society.
Occupational therapy (OT) is an important part of treatment for a person with MS. OTs generally focus on strategies to enhance the performance of activities of daily living (ADLs) at home and at work, including energy management to improve productivity and reduce fatigue.
Help with Activities of Daily Living
ADLs include washing, using the toilet, grooming, and dressing. Other activities that may be addressed include handwriting, computer use, driving, cooking, housekeeping, or the tasks a person is expected to perform on the job.
An OT is often the professional who can best advise on strategies to modify the household and/or workplace to accommodate the special needs of a person with MS. For example, an OT could advise on the appropriate width of doorways for someone using a wheelchair, on kitchen modifications for someone who needs to work from a sitting position, and on the optimal placement of railings or grab bars to maximize safety.
The therapies offered by an OT may include strengthening and stretching exercises for the upper body, activities designed to improve coordination, and many other interventions specifically tailored to the individual's level of functioning.
Suggests Assistive Devices to Aid in ADL
Occupational therapists may also suggest assistive devices to conserve energy and aid in ADL, such as button hooks and other dressing aids, rocker knives, pot and pan stabilizers, special grips for pens and pencils, and many more.
Occupational therapy is usually prescribed for a person with MS by a neurologist or physiatrist (a physician specializing in rehabilitation medicine). Chapters of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society may be able to provide referrals to local occupational therapists with experience in MS-related problems.
See also...
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Sourcebook
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Society Web Resources
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For Healthcare Professionals
Book
Kalb R. (ed.) Multiple Sclerosis: The Questions You Have; The Answers You Need (3rd ed.). New York: Demos Medical Publishing, 2004.
—Ch. 6 Occupational Therapy |
