Multiple Sclerosis and Occupational Therapy
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that attacks the protective coating on your nerves. These attacks damage and break down the coating, called myelin. As myelin wears away, the communication between your brain and your body may be interrupted. Eventually, MS can damage and destroy the nerves themselves. This damage cannot be reversed.
MS causes a variety of signs and symptoms. The symptoms you may experience depend on how damaged your nerves are and which nerves are being targeted by the disease. The type of MS you have determines how quickly your symptoms progress.
Fortunately, if you have MS, there are ways you can live a stronger, healthier, and more fulfilling life as you learn to cope with your diagnosis and changing body. One way you can achieve this is through occupational therapy.
Occupational therapy (OT) is a healthcare profession that aims to help people with specialized needs live more independently and productively.
Occupational therapy is similar to physical therapy, but there are a few key differences. While physical therapy focuses on overall strength, joint range of motion, coordination, and gross motor skills, occupational therapy focuses on helping you perform everyday activities with greater independence.
Occupational therapists help people live better despite having a disability or illness. They do this by improving the skills needed to accomplish everyday tasks or finding alternative ways to perform them.
Occupational therapy services may include:
- assisting with routine daily activities, like showering, cooking, and getting dressed
- assessing your home and work environment to identify potential hazards and to create a more functional environment that suits your needs
- recommending special equipment or assistive devices for use at home, school, or work
- showing you how to properly use adaptive equipment, like orthotics, braces, or wheelchairs
- helping with budgeting, scheduling, and daily planning
- working with schools or workplaces to ensure you’re meeting your goals
- recommending exercises to strengthen fine motor skills, coordination, and mental alertness
- teaching you skills for stress management
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Visit our MS Learning Channel on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/msviewsandnews