After a spinal cord injury, occupational therapy focuses on facilitating the transition back to normal life. Patients with SCI can increase their independence by engaging in daily activities and utilizing adapted equipment. What to do for occupational therapy spinal cord injury?
This article will outline 11 occupational therapy tasks that people with spinal cord injuries can do at home. But first, let’s talk about why occupational therapy is so important for those who have had a spinal cord injury.
Spinal Cord Injury Occupational Therapy Goals
Occupational therapists work with patients on tasks that “occupy” their time and assist them in participating as fully as possible in these activities. This entails determining which daily activities are most important to patients and devising a strategy for increasing their participation in these activities. To regain mobility, occupational therapy, like physical therapy, may involve task-specific, highly repetitive training. Repetition is important because it promotes neuroplasticity, which is the process by which the central nervous system rewires itself and regains function after an injury. Occupational therapy, unlike physical therapy, offers a more holistic approach to improving one’s capacity to interact in daily life by using practical, activity-based approaches and activities. A patient might, for example, practice getting out of bed or brushing their teeth.
After a spinal cord injury, occupational therapy uses both restorative and compensatory tactics to maximize independence and reduce problems.
Physical functions that have been compromised by spinal cord injury are the focus of restorative strategies. While damage to the spinal cord is permanent, the spinal cord’s neuroplasticity allows the motor and sensory functions to be relearned.
Neuroplasticity can only occur in undamaged neural pathways, therefore people with more severe or total spinal cord injuries may have limited functional recovery. In these situations, an occupational therapist must get creative and use compensatory methods, which are innovative ways to complete everyday activities. Modifying the environment, altering the activity, or teaching the patient compensating strategies and equipment are all possible options. Following that, you’ll learn about almost a dozen compensatory measures for SCI sufferers.
11 Occupational Therapy Activities for Patients with Spinal Cord Injuries as Compensatory Therapy
Adaptive tools are commonly used in compensatory measures to help make up for lost function. While both PT and OT are crucial for SCI patients, these compensatory exercises have a direct, real-world application, making them extremely vital. We’ll go through several effective compensating measures that people with spinal cord injuries can acquire through occupational therapy:
1. Using Adapted Utensils and Plate Guards When Eating
- After a spinal cord injury, employing adapted tools to eat independently.
- Adaptive utensils for spinal cord injury patients with upper extremity motor limitations come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
- For those who can’t grip, some adaptive utensils wrap around the forearm, while others include a bent handle for those who can’t twist or bend their wrists.
- Individuals with inadequate wrist control may also benefit from a plate guard, which forms a barrier around the plate to avoid spills.
2. Using Universal Cuffs For Grooming
In occupational therapy for spinal cord damage, learn how to use a universal cuff.
Patients with spinal cord injuries who have trouble gripping may benefit from the use of a universal cuff, according to an occupational therapist. To avoid being dropped, items like hair brushes and toothbrushes can be linked to the universal cuff and then placed onto the hand.
3. Catheterization for Incontinence Management
- After a spinal cord injury, a catheter is used to treat bladder difficulties.
- Loss of bladder muscle control is another common result of spinal cord injury.
- Catheterization, which includes inserting a tube into the bladder to drain the urine, is one method of treating urinary incontinence.
- This will reduce the chances of leaks and kidney damage caused by urine retention.
A catheter can be linked at all times or administered on a regular basis, depending on the patient’s lifestyle and preferences. Many individuals with spinal cord injuries can accomplish self-catheterization with the help of an occupational therapist, considerably boosting their toileting independence.
4. Using a Toilet Seat That Is Lifted
To lessen the risk of falling, a spinal cord injury sufferer uses an elevated toilet seat.
Transfers can be challenging for persons with spinal cord injuries who have restricted lower body functions, especially when the seat is low. An elevated toilet seat can help to lessen the height difference between a patient’s wheelchair and the toilet seat, making it easier to get on and off and reducing joint pressure.
5. Putting On Clothes On a Bed
Paralyzed people typically find it easier to dress in their beds rather than in wheelchairs. Individuals can move around without fear of losing their balance or falling over due to the mattress’s enormous surface area. Once they’ve put on their clothes, they can always modify them for comfort once they’ve sat up.
6. Easy Transfers Using a Leg-Lifter
In occupational therapy, a spinal cord injury sufferer learns how to utilize a leg lifter. After a spinal cord injury, a leg-lifter allows patients to move their feet and legs to make transfers and repositioning easier. Patients with high upper body strength can easily maneuver their legs by simply inserting their feet inside the loop and pushing on the strap. Get occupational therapy in Chicago from essential health home care.
7. Adding a Stairlift to Make it Easier to Get Up and Down the Stairs
- A patient with a spinal cord injury may benefit from home improvements, according to an occupational therapist.
- For people with lower-body motor disabilities, stairwells can be a considerable challenge.
- A stair lift may be recommended by an occupational therapist to assist reduce the danger of falling and the time it takes to get up and down the stairs.
8. Showering With a Handheld Showerhead While Seated
When showering, people with spinal cord injuries should remain seated, use non-slip mats on the floor, and utilize a handheld showerhead to reduce the need to move around. Long-handled sponges can also assist patients in properly washing their lower extremities, particularly if they have weak core muscles. Individuals can use a transfer bench to make getting in and out of the bathtub easier and safer.
9. Using Reachers to Pick Up Items That Are Out of Reach
- An occupational therapist suggested a sci patient use a reacher to avoid falling owing to weak core muscles.
- Individuals with weak trunk stability may struggle to sit upright and maintain balance, especially when reaching for goods.
- An occupational therapist may propose employing a reacher as an arm extension to reduce the danger of falling. When getting dressed, reachers can also help some people get their feet through their pant legs.
- Installing grab bars and rails for safe transfers is number ten.
- During transfers, a sci patient uses grasp bars to keep from falling.
- It is critical to have a steady surface when performing transfers.
- Installing grab bars and rails in places where people frequently transfer, such as the bed, toilet, and bathtub can help people avoid falling.
- Suction cup grab bars are widely available, however, they should be used with caution because the suction may not always hold, particularly in a location with variable temperatures and humidity, such as the shower.
11. Installing Driving Adjustments In Automobiles
- After spinal cord damage, OT suggests driving adjustments.
- Individuals with spinal cord injuries can safely operate a car thanks to automotive adaptations such as hand controls and adjustable seating.
- Individuals must pass written and clinical tests to show that they are capable of driving without injuring themselves or others.
- SCI patients will work with a trained driving rehabilitation occupational therapist to identify what types of car adaptations will be required and how to use them.
Let’s talk about how occupational therapy prepares people to return to jobs or school now that we’ve gone over the approaches that help spinal cord injury patients become more independent.
Returning to Work or School Following a Spinal Cord Injury
Work and school account for a substantial chunk of a person’s life, and occupational therapists can assist patients to prepare for their return. Patients with spinal cord injuries must learn their rights on the job or at school, in addition to practicing activities of daily life to become more independent. Employers and educational institutions must offer reasonable modifications to assist people with disabilities in achieving their goals. The following are examples of reasonable accommodations:
- Creating a setting that is wheelchair accessible
- Allowing for additional flexibility in one’s schedule
- Adaptive equipment provision
- Having a notetaker on hand
- Adding time to assignments and tests
- Returning to work or school should not be a priority for patients. They should instead return when they are physically and mentally ready.
Key Points in Occupational Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury
Through restorative and compensatory measures, occupational therapy will assist SCI patients in returning to their daily lives. While restorative rehabilitation is recommended (since it encourages independence), recovery from a spinal cord injury may be restricted. As a result, finding alternative strategies to encourage a fulfilling lifestyle is the next best option.
Inquire with your OT about any activities or strategies you can do at home, or try some of the suggestions in this article. We hope these assist you in your recuperation. Or contact essential home health occupational therapy. However, you can learn about occupational therapy for carpal tunnel. For further information, you can call us at (847) 813 6301.