Occupational Therapy and Multiple Sclerosis
What is OT?
Occupational Therapy’s purpose is to assist people to continue performing everyday tasks independently.
As occupational therapists, we work with individuals and assist them with strategies, interventions and skills to complete everyday tasks such as self care (showering, dressing), work and leisure (hobbies).
What is MS?
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic condition of the central nervous system resulting in functional loss, including but not limited to fatigue, spasticity, cognitive impairment, speech, vision, and bladder and bowel function.
There are four different classifications of MS which affect individuals. These vary from mild, moderate or severe.
Relapsing-remitting (RRMS)
This is the most common form of MS
It’s characterised by partial or total recovery after attacks
New symptoms appear or existing symptoms become more severe (Atchison & Dirette, 2017).
Around 70-75% of people with MS begin with RRMS
Secondary progressive (SPMS)
Occurs after RRMS and becomes steadily progressive
Of the 70-75% of people with RRMS, more that 50% of those will develop SPMS within 10 years and 90% within 25 years
Primary progressive (PPMS)
15% of people with MS are diagnosed with PPMS however this is only diagnosed after the person has been living with MS and experienced progressive disability but not acute attacks for a period of time
Relapsing Progressive (RPMS)
A gradual progression of MS occurs and is accompanied by more relapses.
So how do OT and MS work together?
OT’s are problem solvers so we aim to adapt and provide strategies to your everyday activities to make it easier to complete them independently. Strategies and interventions may include assistive technology such as equipment aids, energy conservation recommendations and skills training to name a few. The process of having OT is all about you, so we tailor our therapy plan to your wants, needs and goals.
Challenges OT can help you with:
Fatigue
Imbalance
Spasticity
Coordination difficulties
Completing activities around the home e.g. cleaning, cooking
Cognitive impairment including memory, concentration
Transfers e.g. chair, bed, toilet, car,
Mental health e.g. anxiety, mood changes, depression
Benefits of OT for neuro conditions:
Completing activities with minimal assistance, allowing you to maintain your independence.
Home modifications to assist you getting around the house safely.
Staying connected to your support network - family, friends, colleagues, partners.
Manage your fatigue to get the most out of your day or week.
Assistance with mental health strategies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and emotional regulation
References
Atchison, B., & Dirette, D. (2017). Conditions in occupational therapy: effect on occupational
performance (5th ed). Philadelphia, Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Esther EMJ Steultjens, EMJ., Dekker, J. J., Bouter, L. M., Cardol, M. M., Van den Ende, CHM.,
& Van de Nes, J. (2003). Occupational Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (3)1, 1-13.
doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD003608.
Multiple Sclerosis Australia. (2022). Types of MS. Retrieved from
https://www.msaustralia.org.au