Occupational Therapy: Benefits For Patients With Sensorimotor Polyneuropathy

Some people have a condition where their sense of touch and some body movements are hindered or practically nonexistent. This is called Sensorimotor Polyneuropathy. People who endure the limitations of this condition often find that occupational therapy is helpful in their recovery.

Causes of Sensorimotor Polyneuropathy

This condition may be caused by several kinds of neuropathies. These include diabetic, alcoholic, hereditary, and drug-related neuropathies. Other causes include Guillain Barre Syndrome, cancers or even vitamin deficiencies.

Reasons Why Physicians Recommend This Therapy

Occupational therapy services like Kleiser Therapy help individuals adapt to their limitations from a disease or injury. The therapist teaches patients how to rethink their actions so that they are able to perform daily habits they once took for granted. They teach them ways to test the bath water to see if it is too hot, or scan a room visually for objects that may impede their ability to ambulate safely, such as a rug.

Types of Occupational Therapy

The therapist helps the patients learn to compensate for the limitations imposed on them by the condition. They do this by using physical modifications, behavioral changes, and equipment that enables them to be able to function well at home and work. Unless the Sensorimotor Polyneuropathy is quite severe, most patients can relearn ways to be independent. The goal is to help them do this without placing themselves in danger or having to depend unnecessarily on others in order to function in their daily lives.

Depending on the severity of the patient's condition and the recommendations of a neurologist, the therapist may incorporate ultrasound, near infrared phototherapy, and thermal modalities in the therapy. Other types of therapy may include vibration platforms, specific therapeutic exercises, electric stimulation and various other therapies. These methods help control the patient's pain level and increase the chances of nerve and cell restoration.

Result of Occupational Therapies

After the occupational therapy is complete, the individuals typically enjoy having the feeling of self-esteem and autonomy restored.

Although no one wants to have to concentrate on every movement, people with this problem must learn to do so in order to be safe and independent. Over time, the techniques learned in occupational therapy will become second nature to the patient. He or she will perform the safeguards automatically without having to focus on every movement. The therapy is time-consuming and may seem arduous at times. However, with patience and perseverance, the patient often reaches a level of recovery that once may have seemed impossible.


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