Learn about ME

Episode 11 - Learn about ME and Occupational Therapy

May 20, 2024 Action for M.E.
Episode 11 - Learn about ME and Occupational Therapy
Learn about ME
More Info
Learn about ME
Episode 11 - Learn about ME and Occupational Therapy
May 20, 2024
Action for M.E.

In this, the eleventh episode in our Learn About ME podcast series, we discuss how Occupational Therapy can support people living with Long Covid and M.E. Our guests are Katie Davies, Occupational Therapy Team Lead in NHS Grampian; and Corinne, a patient with Long Covid.

 To avoid potential harms by energy management being wrongly applied, the 2021 NICE guideline for ME/CFS recommends that, “in specific circumstances, people with ME/CFS should be referred to a physiotherapist or Therapist (OT) in an ME/CFS specialist team.”

 OTs can uncover the relationship between the challenges people face, their environment and the daily activities they need and want to carry out.

 The podcast highlights the importance of taking a person-centred approach and being flexible from the beginning, with practical tips based on experience. 

 Corrine talks about the difference occupational therapy made to her, including supporting with pacing, while Katie highlights the need for OTs to understand post exertional malaise (PEM) and how it impacts in ME/CFS and Long Covid, triggered by the smallest amount of activity (physical, cognitive, emotional). 

 Any healthcare professional can learn more about ME/CFS and the vital adjustments the people may need in consultations and support services by taking Dr Nina Muirhead’s free 60-minute Learna CPD module.

Show Notes

In this, the eleventh episode in our Learn About ME podcast series, we discuss how Occupational Therapy can support people living with Long Covid and M.E. Our guests are Katie Davies, Occupational Therapy Team Lead in NHS Grampian; and Corinne, a patient with Long Covid.

 To avoid potential harms by energy management being wrongly applied, the 2021 NICE guideline for ME/CFS recommends that, “in specific circumstances, people with ME/CFS should be referred to a physiotherapist or Therapist (OT) in an ME/CFS specialist team.”

 OTs can uncover the relationship between the challenges people face, their environment and the daily activities they need and want to carry out.

 The podcast highlights the importance of taking a person-centred approach and being flexible from the beginning, with practical tips based on experience. 

 Corrine talks about the difference occupational therapy made to her, including supporting with pacing, while Katie highlights the need for OTs to understand post exertional malaise (PEM) and how it impacts in ME/CFS and Long Covid, triggered by the smallest amount of activity (physical, cognitive, emotional). 

 Any healthcare professional can learn more about ME/CFS and the vital adjustments the people may need in consultations and support services by taking Dr Nina Muirhead’s free 60-minute Learna CPD module.