Occupational Therapy and Multiple Sclerosis

Key Takeaways:

  • Occupational therapy (OT) helps individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) maintain independence and perform daily tasks such as self-care, work, and leisure activities.

  • MS is a chronic condition that affects the central nervous system, resulting in varying degrees of functional loss, including fatigue, spasticity, and cognitive challenges.

  • OT supports people with MS through personalised interventions, helping manage symptoms and improving quality of life.

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational Therapy (OT) focuses on enabling individuals to continue performing everyday tasks independently, regardless of physical or cognitive limitations. Occupational therapists work with people to:

  • Develop strategies and interventions that help them carry out daily activities.

  • Assist with self-care tasks like showering, dressing, and grooming.

  • Support individuals in their work and leisure pursuits, ensuring they can maintain hobbies and professional roles.

At Rebound Health, our occupational therapists provide a tailored, client-centred approach to help people adapt to their specific challenges and maintain an active, fulfilling lifestyle.

What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological condition affecting the central nervous system. It results in a range of physical and cognitive symptoms, which can vary in severity from mild to severe. Some common symptoms include:

  • Fatigue: A major challenge for people with MS, often limiting their ability to perform daily activities.

  • Spasticity: Muscle stiffness or spasms that can impact movement and comfort.

  • Cognitive Impairment: Difficulty with memory, concentration, or problem-solving.

  • Speech and Vision Issues: MS can affect communication and visual clarity.

  • Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction: Loss of control or function in these areas is a common symptom.

There are four different classifications of MS, each presenting unique challenges:

1. Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS)

  • Most common form of MS, affecting 70-75% of people diagnosed.

  • Characterised by periods of attacks followed by partial or total recovery.

  • Symptoms can worsen during relapses, but recovery phases offer relief.

2. Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS)

  • Typically follows RRMS, developing into a steadily progressive condition.

  • Over time, more than 50% of people with RRMS transition to SPMS within 10 years, and 90% within 25 years.

3. Primary Progressive MS (PPMS)

  • Affects approximately 15% of individuals diagnosed with MS.

  • Characterised by progressive disability without acute attacks, leading to gradual worsening of symptoms.

4. Relapsing Progressive MS (RPMS)

  • A combination of gradual progression and frequent relapses.

  • This form is marked by ongoing deterioration, making symptom management more complex.

How Occupational Therapy Helps People with MS

At Rebound Health, our occupational therapists work closely with individuals with MS to develop customised strategies that enable them to navigate the daily challenges of the condition. Here are some ways OT can support people with MS:

  • Managing Fatigue: Fatigue is one of the most common and debilitating symptoms of MS. Our therapists provide education and techniques to conserve energy, such as pacing activities, prioritising tasks, and using energy-efficient methods for daily tasks.

  • Adaptive Equipment: We recommend and train individuals to use adaptive tools and technology to assist with daily tasks, improving comfort and efficiency in activities such as dressing, cooking, and mobility.

  • Cognitive Support: For individuals experiencing cognitive changes, we help develop memory aids, organisational tools, and strategies to manage thinking challenges, improving independence in personal and work settings.

  • Home and Workplace Modifications: Our therapists assess home or work environments to suggest modifications that can improve safety and accessibility, making it easier to navigate spaces with mobility aids or preventing falls.

  • Managing Spasticity and Movement: We teach techniques and recommend exercises to help manage spasticity and improve movement. For example, stretching routines can reduce muscle stiffness and improve flexibility, allowing greater ease in daily activities.

  • Community Engagement and Leisure: We encourage individuals with MS to maintain their hobbies and social activities, adapting these to meet their current abilities, ensuring that they continue enjoying a full and engaging life.

Rebound Health’s Approach to Occupational Therapy for MS

At Rebound Health, we believe in providing a multidisciplinary and holistic approach to care. Our team of occupational therapists, exercise physiologists, and other allied health professionals work together to provide a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to each person’s needs.

Why Choose Rebound Health?

  • Clinical Locations: Unlike many home-based services, our clients benefit from accessing advanced equipment and specialised support in our well-equipped clinics.

  • Multidisciplinary Care: We offer seamless integration with other health services, such as exercise therapy and physiotherapy, ensuring a well-rounded care experience.

  • Personalised Interventions: Every individual with MS has unique challenges. Our client-centred care ensures that all strategies, tools, and interventions are personalised to suit each person’s abilities and goals.

Contact Us

If you or someone you know is living with MS and could benefit from occupational therapy, reach out to us at Rebound Health. We are committed to helping you live independently and achieve your goals, offering the support and resources you need along the way.

Explore more of our services to understand how we can support your well-being:

  • Occupational Therapy Services

  • Exercise Rehab and Personal Training

At Rebound Health, we are here to ensure you receive the care and support you need to live a fulfilling life with MS. Our values of understanding, going above & beyond, and creating meaningful impact shape everything we do, empowering you to take control of your health and well-being.

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

Heather Mortonot, Occupational Therapy, ms, multiple sclerosis