With the student's permission, I am posting an OT student's comment regarding treatment for ALS.
============================================================================= I just thought you might enjoy reading the post I put on Dr. Lehman's forum for ALS. I did my best to explain OT in regards to treatment. Have a good day! His question was: People with ALS, as noted do not have mental/sensory involvement. How would this affect your approach in working with someone with ALS? Would you condiser exercise as part of treatment? Why or why not? In response to the question of treating patients I would start by looking at the patients occupational deficits of concern to them. Examples of occupations (everything one does to occupy themselves that gives value and meaning to life) which may be impaired would include feeding, dressing, social communication, functional and community mobility among others. Interventions would then be designed to address the deficits. Due to the progressive nature of the disease I believe that I would mostly work at making adaptations to the environment and activities (goal directed human actions which can lead occupation) to enhance participation in occupation as opposed to using remediation to address deficits. Exercise maybe used in conjunction with occupation based treatment if it would allow greater participation in the desired occupations, but due to the progressive nature of the muscle wasting this may only hinder participation in occupation. Another area to be addressed would be the psychosocial aspects of losing occupations, roles and dealing with death and dying. These could be addresses through providing "just right challenges" to increase role and occupational competence. Various frames of references could also be used to address these concerns. By using the Humanistic frame of reference and Carl Rogers Client-Centered therapy principles, to develop a therapeutic relationship, of empathetic understanding, unconditional positive regard, and congruency I would change very little in the way I approach the client. By utilizing these two models you approach the client with respect and allow them to have their dignity while allowing them to guide the therapy process. They are after all the experts in their occupations and as a therapist I can help them regain their occupations. References: -Occupational Therapy for Physical Dysfunction (4th Ed) Catherine Trombly -Occupational therapy Practice Skills for Physical Dysfunction (5th ed) Lorraine Pedretti & Mary Beth Early -Occupational Therapy Practice Framework Domain and Process Jennifer Lordan ======================================================================================== *********��*********** Unsubscribe? Send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the message's *body*, put the following text: unsubscribe OTlist ** List messages are archived at: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] *********��***********
