Chronic Symptom Management Calgary
Chronic Symptom Management Services in Calgary
Our Chronic Symptom Management services here in Calgary are here to help people with the common symptoms associated with chronic pain, chronic fatigue, long-covid, Cancer recovery and concussions.
Experiencing “Brain Fog”
Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
Feeling easily overwhelmed
Difficulty participating in day-to-day tasks such as eating, cooking, cleaning, driving, attending appointments and socializing with friends etc .
Difficulty regulating emotions
Feeling anxious about symptoms
Experiencing muscle and joint pain
Experiencing digestive issues
Experiencing light and noise sensitivity
Not getting restorative sleep
Experiencing post-exertional malaise
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, reach out to learn how we can support you.
FAQ About Symptom Management
Why can chronic pain, long-covid, chronic fatigue, Cancer recovery and concussion all have similar presentations?
All these conditions can involve dysfunctions in the central and autonomic nervous system. When the nervous system is dysregulated, tasks you may have had an easy time completing before now take significant effort and energy.
With chronic pain, much of our body’s energy is dedicated to managing our pain levels, depleting the amounts left to deal with day-to-day demands, not to mention, the reduction in quality and quantity of sleep that can further contribute to high levels of fatigue.
With a concussion, impaired neurotransmission makes it difficult for neurons to communicate effectively, leading to increased cognitive load as the brain tries to compensate for these deficits. This often again leads to increased levels of fatigue.
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), Long-Covid, Cancer Recovery, Fibromyalgia are all associated with increased fatigue and when the energy we have disposable to us is limited, cognitive functions such as our ability to pay attention, plan and organize, problem solve and make decisions, and regulate our emotions can all become impaired.
How can occupational therapists help with managing these symptoms?
Our Calgary-based occupational therapists are uniquely positioned to assist in the management of chronic conditions as we are experts in:
– Energy maximization and how to use planning and pacing effectively
o If you’ve attempted planning and pacing on your own and feel like it hasn’t been effective, OTs are experts in task analysis and activity breakdown which can often lead to new insights into the *true* energy demands associated with various tasks.
– Cognition and teaching you how to compensate and restore your planning and organization, attention, memory, problem-solving and decision-making capabilities
– Processing experiences and emotions and providing you with skills and strategies to feel more grounded and regulated as you go about your day
– Providing education to help you better understand the systems in your body and how these systems influence your experiences
Is there insurance coverage for occupational therapy services?
Check with your insurance provider if they cover occupational therapy (OT) services. Many offer up to $500 towards OT per year, but may have maximum’s they pay out per visit. If your insurer does not provide OT coverage, visit the SAOTs “Ask for OT” page about how to request this.
Learn More About Each Condition
Chronic/Persistent Pain: Understanding and Management with Occupational Therapy in Calgary
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS): Support and Management with Occupational Therapy in Calgary
Long-Covid: Understanding and Management with Occupational Therapy in Calgary
Long-COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), is a condition where individuals experience persistent symptoms long after the initial COVID-19 infection has resolved. These lingering symptoms can include fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, joint pain, and a variety of other physical and cognitive impairments.
Our Calgary-based occupational therapists specialize in helping those affected by long-COVID manage and improve their daily functioning. Our personalized therapy plans are designed to address the unique challenges of long-COVID, helping you regain independence and enhance your quality of life.
Discover how our expert occupational therapists in Calgary can support your recovery from long-COVID. Contact us today for a consultation and start your journey towards better health.
Supporting Cancer Recovery: Occupational Therapy Services in Calgary
Cancer treatment can have significant impacts on both physical and mental health during and after one’s recovery process. Here’s an overview of these effects:
Physical Health Impacts
- Fatigue: One of the most common side effects, often persisting for months after treatment ends.
- Skin Changes: Radiation can cause skin irritation, redness, and blistering in the treated area.
- Pain: Pain or discomfort in the treated area is common, which may require pain management strategies.
- Lymphedema: Swelling caused by the buildup of lymph fluid, particularly if lymph nodes were treated.
- Organ-Specific Effects: Depending on the area treated, radiation can impact organs (e.g., lungs, heart, gastrointestinal tract) leading to issues like shortness of breath, heart problems, or digestive issues.
- Muscle and Joint Stiffness: Radiation can lead to decreased mobility and flexibility in muscles and joints.
- Immune System Suppression: Temporary reduction in the ability to fight infections.
Mental Health Impacts
- Cognitive Decline: Often referred to as “brain fog,” including memory lapses, difficulty concentrating, and slower thought processes.
- Emotional Distress: Anxiety, depression, and mood swings can result from both the treatment and the overall cancer experience.
- Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns can be exacerbated by physical discomfort and emotional stress.
- Fatigue-Related Mental Health Issues: Chronic fatigue can contribute to feelings of hopelessness and frustration.
- Post-Traumatic Stress: The stress of dealing with cancer and its treatment can lead to PTSD in some individuals.
Recovery and Management
Occupational therapists play a crucial role in helping cancer survivors manage these side effects:
- Physical Rehabilitation: Tailored exercise programs to regain strength, flexibility, and endurance.
- Pain Management: Techniques like gentle exercise, massage, and ergonomic adjustments.
- Cognitive Rehabilitation: Strategies to improve memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.
- Emotional Support: Counseling, stress management techniques, and support groups.
- Energy Conservation: Teaching strategies to manage fatigue and balance activities with rest.
- Adaptive Equipment: Recommendations for tools and modifications to improve daily living activities.
Understanding these impacts helps in developing comprehensive care plans to support cancer survivors in their recovery journey, enhancing their quality of life and overall well-being.
Understanding Post-Concussion Syndrome: How Calgary Occupational Therapists Can Help
Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS) is a complex disorder where various symptoms like headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties persist for weeks, months, or even longer after a concussion. This condition can significantly affect one’s daily life, making routine activities challenging.
Symptoms of Post-Concussion Syndrome:
- Persistent headaches
- Dizziness and balance issues
- Fatigue and sleep disturbances
- Memory and concentration problems (cognitive issues)
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Irritability and mood changes
- Blurred vision and other visual disturbances
Our Calgary-based occupational therapists specialize in providing comprehensive care for individuals with Post-Concussion Syndrome. Our experienced occupational therapists create personalized treatment plans to address the unique needs of each client.
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