Rx: Lifestyle Modifications- Can an Occupational Therapist help me?
Picture this, you are at the doctor’s office and they tell you that you have (insert chronic health challenge here). You are shocked, feeling lost, worried and grieving a life you imagined. You ask the doctor what the next steps are and they say “lifestyle modification”. UGH. If your path has been anything like mine, you have been told countless times that you need to make “lifestyle modifications” but no one actually tells you what those modifications should be and that is so frustrating.
This is where Occupational Therapy (OT) comes in. Occupational Therapy is a holistic client centered practice that supports people to engage in activities (or occupations) that are meaningful to them. OTs are clinically trained to consider all aspects of the person's life including their environments, roles, skills, past experiences, what motivates them, their physical wellbeing as well as their mental wellbeing. OTs use a combination of ongoing evaluation, patient education, and therapeutic activities to help support people in their efforts to engage in identified meaningful activities.
Let’s take a look at an example of a session with an Occupational Therapist.
Kelsey just received a diagnosis of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). Her doctor suggests she see an Occupational Therapist. During her OT evaluation she identifies her main concerns are: not enough energy during her work day, brain fog that is causing her to forget important information for her work, and feeling that she is not spending enough time with her friends because she is too fatigued on the weekends from the work week.
Potential Session Plan:
The OT starts the session by prompting Kelsey to share how she is pacing herself during the day. Kelsey explains that she is going to a yoga class in the morning before work when she has the most energy. She then goes to work where she has to drive to multiple locations. By lunch time she is so fatigued she usually takes a nap in her car. By the time she gets home she is so fatigued and has major brain fog.
The OT then provides education on energy conservation strategies. Together, Kelsey and the OT do an activity that maps out Kelsey’s average day and how much energy each task takes. Next, the OT encourages Kelsey to make a weekly schedule to help her pace out her “high energy” tasks throughout the week. Lastly they discuss an exercise routine that is better paced based on Kelsey’s work day. Kelsey decides that instead of a yoga class in the morning before work she will take a short walk. Because Kelsey finds meaning in going to her local yoga studio and taking classes, Kelsey decides to take the classes when she does not have a full day of work.
To wrap up the session they collaborate on a goal that Kelsey can implement her new routine for the next two weeks and encourages Kelsey to reach out to the OT if she is having challenges following through with the new routine.
Does your story sound similar to Kelseys? Like Kelsey, when you are feeling lost after receiving a chronic pain diagnosis an Occupational Therapist will be there to listen, validate, and collaborate with you to live a more meaningful life. As you continue to live your life an OT will be there to problem solve the bumps in your road so you are able to engage in what matters most to you.
If you are looking for an Occupational Therapist to work with and live in California, schedule a consultation with Take Shape Occupational Therapy. If you live outside the state of California check with your insurance, or check out the OT Directory.
Disclaimer: Please note that this is not medical advice and intended for educational purposes only.
