Have you ever taken something as small as handwriting for
granted? Most of us do not think about
how important simple everyday tasks are until they are suddenly taken from
us. I came across an Everyday Health article about a middle-aged
woman who was diagnosed with MS (multiple sclerosis). MS is a disease that can affect your brain,
spinal cord, and eyes. It can cause
problems with vision, balance, muscle control, and other basic body
functions. Lisa was experiencing
numbness and delayed motor control which was affecting her ability to write;
even something as simple as her signature.
She mentioned that it felt like she was wearing a glove when trying to
write with a pen. With some small
adjustments and the help from her occupational therapist, Lisa was able to
write again. Although Lisa was not using
a normal pen, she found the right one for her lifestyle that would help her
participate in every day life again. That is what occupational therapy is all
about. Although this article mentions
Lisa getting help from an occupational therapist, it does not explain what the
profession is. This profession is one
that is misunderstood by many, therefore, OT does not always get the credit
that it should. Occupational therapists
help clients, like Lisa, so they can enjoy the things in life that are
meaningful to them, whether it be handwriting, gardening, or getting dressed. Occupational therapists help others live life
to the fullest!
References: https://www.everydayhealth.com/multiple-sclerosis/treatment/what-when-ms-affects-your-ability-write/
