The Occupational Therapist and FSHD

An occupational therapist (OT) is a health professional who works with patients to help achieve functional outcomes that promote health, prevent injury or disability and help maintain the highest possible level of independence, safety and quality of life.  Occupational therapists are concerned with helping patients in their “occupations” - the day-to-day tasks that “occupy” their time at home, work and elsewhere.   The  neurologist or physiatrist will usually refer an FSHD patient to an occupational therapist for an evaluation and assessment of function and daily living tasks at work, in the home, and out and about.  The occupational therapist and patient work together on a program to maintain function and daily living using aids, durable medical equipment, assistive technology and exercises to increase and maintain function. 

Please refer also to Health Information tab on left navigation, sub-menu item on Assistive Technology & Equipment, by clicking HERE

• American Occupational Therapy Association