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Author: Rickey Hickman (Snr Occupational Therapist)
Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) isn't easy, there is no getting past that but its important to stay positive and take control of what you can. One choice you have is to work with a skilled occuaptional therapist. Occupational therapist are uniquely trained to provide advice and therapy to limit the impact your MS has on your everyday life. Here we will cover what a Multiple Sclerosis is, the typical symptoms, the OT role in managing MS and common ways OTs can help.
If you'd like to work with one of our Gold Coast OTs call now!
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic condition that affects the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. In MS, the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective sheath (myelin) around nerve fibres, causing inflammation and damage. This disrupts the normal flow of electrical signals along the nerves, leading to a variety of symptoms that can differ widely from person to person.
Here are the main types of MS:
Understanding the type of Multiple Sclerosis can help tailor treatment and management strategies to improve quality of life and occupational therapy treatment, make sure your therapist know's what type you have.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) can impact all parts of the body from physical and cognitive abiltiies, vision and hearing to emotional and psychological functioning.
Common physical challenges in MS include:
Common Cognitive challenges in MS inlcude:
Common sensory challenges in MS include:
Other common challenges in MS include:
Occupational therapy (OT) is all about helping people lead full, meaningful lives by addressing challenges in performing every day activities. Occupational Therapists implement a combination of person, environment and task based approaches aiding individuals to overcome barriers to their independence and enhance their quality of life.
The primary goal of an occupational therapist is to minimise the impact a persons MS symptoms has on their everyday life. Your OT will perform specific assessments to understand your strengths and challenges, discuss your goals and aspirations and collaborate with you to help you do the things that matter most to you.
Once your OT has this information they use their unique skillset to help you improve you skills and abilities, change the way activities are performed or modfy the envionrment or introduce specialised equipment to make sure you can have the freedom to confidently manage you everyday tasks.
Virtual reality (VR) therapy is a cutting-edge method for recovery after brain injury that immerses patients in digital worlds to help them get better. By using interactive VR simulations, therapists can design customised exercises that focus on improving the specific motor skills and cognitive functions affected by a brain injury. Massetti et al (2016) completed a systematic review finding that VR is effective for improving motor and cognitive skills in people with a Multiple Sclerosis.
Task Oriented Training (TOT) in Multiple Sclerosis is an effective and evidence based strategy, as highlighted by Hassanin et al in his 2023 Systematic review and meta-analysis. This strategy works by practicing a range of activities that have similar functional requirements. For example, working on sit to stand transfers, but getting in and out of your car and bed and on and off the toilet and your lounge chair as a way to practice and improve this skill. The great thing about this strategy is that because you are completing a range of tasks, rather than just prating the one skill it doesn't become boring.
Working with clients at all stages of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)I have shared the joy of many success stories, here are some examples I hope will provide motivation to stay consistent in your therapy journey.
When initially diagnosed with MS Mrs. L was relieved and overwhelmed, she had answers now but feared what the future held. Collaborating together she identified that managing her personal cares (dressing, showering etc.) were so fatiguing it was stopping her from engaging in more meaningful activites, like gardening or spending time with her children. Through a personalised occupational therapy plan focussed on increasing her physical abilities and strategies and equipment to reduce the physical requirements of her self-cares she was able to increase her participation in meaningful activities. This provided a major boost in her quality of life and overall mood.
Mr M had been living with MS for many year before working with our OTs, he had given into the idea that there was nothing he could do. But with his courage and trust in the team he obtained a mobility device, learnt how to use it and massively improved his wellbeing. From spending all his time watching TV to enjoying the Zoo with his family, this was a huge WIN!
Occupational therapy can be a powerful service in your managing MS, but It's important to remember that each person's journey is unique, and outcomes will vary. While we cannot guarantee specific results, our focus is on working together to achieve the best possible progress for each person.
Living with Multiple Sclerosis can be challenging, but Occupational Therapy provides valuable support in achieving greater independence and improving your quality of life. Through tailored approaches and the guidance of your OT, you can make meaningful progress in managing your condition. While advancements may come gradually, each improvement is a significant achievement. Embrace the resources available to you, stay dedicated to your therapy, and continue striving towards your goals. Every step forward counts on your journey to better well-being.
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