Occupational Therapy's role in Scleroderma Symptom - PowerPoint Presentation

Slide1

Occupational Therapy's role in Scleroderma Symptom Management

Presented by Kim Forehand, MOTR/LSlide2

What exactly is an occupational therapist?

WHO WE ARE

: nationally certified, state-licensed therapists, most commonly part of a multi-disciplinary team; educational requirement including obtaining a Master’s Degree in Occupational

Therapy

Core curriculum

includes classes in anatomy, physiology, mental health, life span development, pediatrics, geriatrics, task analysis, environmental modification, splinting/orthotics, and motor development

OTs help people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities

.

(Big Hint: Occupation—what occupies your time?)Slide3

The “meat and potatoes” of Occupational therapy

Spiritual

Emotional

Intellectual

Occupational

Cultural

Social

Physical

EnvironmentalSlide4

OT intervention: Stretches

Why

?

To prevent or slow down the development of contractures

Do frequently and maintain stretch for 3-5 seconds

Start stretching program even before any noticeable loss of motionSlide5

Finger Stretches:

Make

a fist and press the palm of your hand against tops of fingers

Thumb stretches:

Press thumbs and index fingers together and hold

Move thumb across palm towards little fingerSlide6

Upper extremity stretchesSlide7

OT interventions: Heat + Stretching

Heat can help to increase joint mobility and decrease stiffness

** Best when paired with a stretching programSlide8

Adaptive equipment-- eatingSlide9

Adaptive equipment-- DressingSlide10

Adaptive equipment-- MiscellaneousSlide11

Adaptive equipment-- MiscellaneousSlide12

Energy conservationModified from file:///C:/Users/admin/Downloads/PD%208278%20Energy%20Conservation.pdf

Prioritize

activities of the day. Do heavier tasks when you have more energy.

Plan

your days’ and weeks’ activities. Set up your work area so you do not have to move around a lot looking for items to complete the task. Plan rest times.

Pace

yourself. Do not try to complete the whole task in one session. Break it into smaller, easy to do steps. A good guide to follow is to take 10 minutes each hour to rest. Do not rush.

Position and Posture Sit to work when you can to use 25% less energy. Sit and stand as upright as you can. Use assistive devices when recommended to save energy and make it more comfortable and easy taking care of yourself. Slide13

Specific strategies to conserve energyModified from

http://www.caot.ca/default.asp?pageid=1326

Grooming

Sit and complete grooming tasks when possible

Using enlarged or built up handles for toothbrushes

or

Use electric

toothbrushDressingTry to do major part of a task while seated in a chair. It is easier to put the weak arm in the sleeve first when dressing and to take your strong arm out of the sleeve first when undressing.Loose-fitting tops with front-closing zippers, ties or buttons are most convenient.A button hook may help you with manipulating small shirt and trouser fastenings/ buttons.

Showering/BathingUse a hand held shower and long handled sponge to reach behind your back and toes.Drying off with terry cloth robe requires less energy than drying off with a towel.Use a bath seat with back support in the tub while showering to conserve energy.Slide14

HouseworkAlternate work and rest periods

Break down activities and perform them throughout the week, balancing light with heavy tasks.

Slide

rather than lift objects.

Use long handled dustpans/ bathtub sponge to decrease the need for bending.

Store frequently used items in containers to reduce unnecessary trips around the house.

Containerize: put everything needed for a task in a basket, (i.e. Group together items for morning care).

To decrease fatigue, use fitted sheets to eliminate energy spend on making the bed.Pace your work schedule:  Don’t try to complete all the tasks in one day. Have a weekly plan for scheduling major tasks such as washing, shopping, cleaning so one task can be done each day.Slide15

GroceriesOrganize your grocery list by aisle.

Shop with someone who can assist with bags.

Consider using grocery delivery service temporarily for heavy items.

Safety Suggestions

Remove scatter rugs or use double-sided tape to secure it down.

Clear all small objects such as bathroom scales, door stops from the floor to eliminate the possibility of slipping/tripping.

Check stair treads/thresholds for loose hardware since most falls occur on the last step of stairs, make it more visible by having the area well lit or painting it a different color.

Use railings where present.Have a lamp beside your bed to avoid stumbling in the dark.Check the bathroom. Use rubber mats in the tub or shower to prevent slipping.Slide16

Addressing the whole person Relaxation

Guided imagery

Deep breathing practicesSlide17

What now?

Ask your MD for a script for an evaluation from an Occupational Therapist

Provide home program of stretches/exercises

Help assess for Adaptive equipment

Make splints, if necessary

Available adaptive devices

http://www.pattersonmedical.com/

Pinterest/ Internet– lots of Do It Yourself Ideas…Accommodations at work:www.jan.wvu.eduwww.disability.govwww.eeoc.govwww.dol.govSlide18

References    

Most information and graphics used from:

Poole, J. (2012). Lecture: Occupational Therapy and Scleroderma (Systemic

S

clerosis).

Retrieved

from http://www.occupationaltherapy.com/E/2088/1056003/550aac6a6f74414a8bhttp

://www.scleroderma.org/http://www.caot.ca/default.asp?pageid=1326 file:///C:/Users/admin/Downloads/PD%208278%20Energy%20Conservation.pdf