Energy conservation techniques (ECTs) can be invaluable tools in treating MS and other diseases treated by occupational therapists, helping manage fatigue and pain management.
Occupational therapy practitioners also employ ECTs with patients suffering from lung conditions. They train them how to monitor oxygen saturation levels and take necessary action when the saturation becomes unsafe.
Prioritize
Energy conservation techniques are strategies used by occupational therapists to assist their patients in managing fatigue and accomplish daily tasks more quickly and feel accomplished more quickly. Furthermore, energy conservation techniques may reduce caregiver fatigue which often leads to burnout and stress for caregivers as well as reduce symptoms associated with conditions like COPD, cancer, cardiac conditions or fibromyalgia that lead to fatigue.
Energy conservation techniques for respiratory patients are particularly essential. Because oxygen helps these individuals breathe, any excessive physical movement that exceeds 90 percent saturation levels could potentially lower it below 90% and result in decreased oxygen saturation levels or decrease fatigue, discoloration of skin tone, nausea and dizziness symptoms. Occupational Therapists (OTs) should recommend consistent use of pulse oximeters along with education on signs and symptoms to help their patients recognize when they need to rest or stop for good.
Occupational therapists (OTs) employ various strategies when teaching energy conservation techniques, including individual education, activity logbooks and tailored home modification/equipment prescription. Additionally, OTs can offer safe body mechanics education to decrease the risk of repetitive use injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis and rotator cuff injury.
Plan ahead in order to conserve energy and avoid unnecessary trips, beginning each day or week with the most important task and switching up light and heavy tasks throughout. Ask for assistance if necessary and consider investing in lightweight equipment like wheeled trolleys and jugs that help lower energy consumption.
Plan
Individuals living with conditions such as COPD, Multiple Sclerosis and other chronic illnesses may find it challenging to complete everyday tasks without expending excessive energy. Conserving energy can help these people increase independence in daily activities as well as reduce pain, muscle fatigue and joint stress. Occupational Therapists (OTs) can teach these principles into daily routines to promote energy conservation.
Occupational therapists will frequently work with respiratory patients to make sure that their energy reserves don’t drain away too quickly, especially those on oxygen, as overexertion of energy levels may lead to oxygen desaturation and lead to symptoms like fatigue, nausea and skin discoloration. Therefore it’s imperative that OTs educate their patients on ways to conserve energy while encouraging the use of pulse oximeters so they can monitor oxygen saturation levels more closely.
Before beginning to implement energy conservation techniques, conducting a detailed task analysis is key. This will determine which tasks the patient can complete independently and which they require assistance from caregivers with. Furthermore, it should identify energy costs for each task and the necessary time commitment required to complete them.
There are various strategies available for energy conservation, but it is essential to remember that every person’s tolerance level varies day-by-day. When undertaking tasks that become too much for you to bear alone, ask for help as soon as necessary – for instance when trying to reach items on high shelves or cupboards ask someone else for assistance instead – this can reduce strain on back and shoulders and save energy overall.
Position
Occupational Therapists possess vast knowledge in energy conservation techniques and strategies. They can also suggest home modifications or assistive equipment that will reduce energy use for daily activities, including prioritisation of tasks, activity logs and ergonomically optimised equipment prescription.
Energy conservation techniques can be especially helpful for patients living with chronic illnesses such as COPD and cardiovascular diseases. Energy-saving measures can enhance quality of life while creating a sense of well being, reduce fatigue and enhance performance during daily living activities. Occupational therapists can teach their patients simple energy saving activities such as sitting instead of standing for prolonged periods and limiting arm movement to reduce strain on shoulders and backs.
Occupational therapists (OTs) can educate respiratory patients on how to conserve energy by positioning themselves comfortably and safely, and also encourage consistent use of a pulse oximeter in order to monitor oxygen saturation levels and avoid oxygen desaturation, which may occur either symptomatically or non-symptomatically depending on illness, leading to discoloration of skin, dizziness, nausea or fatigue as symptoms.
Reddy Care can assist in managing fatigue for a better quality of life, and our skilled rehabilitation team can show you how to conserve energy so that daily activities become simpler. Call now to set up a consultation! We provide physical and occupational therapy services for residents in Farmingdale and Great Neck, New York.
Pace yourself
As an illness reduces energy levels, even simple tasks may become tiresome and exhausting. Your body has to expend more energy on performing these activities, which requires using energy conservation techniques in order to adapt the way you complete them and lessen fatigue levels – these simple changes could make an incredible difference to how you feel each day!
An occupational therapist (OT) will help you find ways to conserve energy while still accomplishing tasks you need or want to complete. This could include simplifying difficult tasks, taking frequent rest breaks during activities and learning strategies to enhance your ability to perform activities.
One of the key energy conservation techniques is to take it slow. Avoiding rushing or trying to do too many tasks at once in one day could lead to exhaustion that takes more energy to overcome than expected.
Your occupational therapist (OT) will teach you to prioritize, plan and position yourself to save energy. Focus on doing the most important tasks first before working through the list; avoid activities requiring excessive movement such as swimming or playing sports that require extensive movement; change positions frequently when possible (sitting down can save 25% more energy than standing for tasks such as washing hair and getting dressed); etc.
Conserving energy can reduce fatigue and increase independence for people suffering from cancer, COPD, heart conditions, aging or any condition which leads to fatigue. For more information about energy conservation techniques contact Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy located in Farmingdale and Great Neck NY for further assistance.
Pursed lip breathing
Pursed lip breathing is a technique designed to let more air enter the lungs and combat shortness of breath, reduce fatigue, make breathing easier during exercise and increased activity, as well as aiding chronic respiratory conditions, like COPD.
Occupational therapists can teach their patients energy conservation techniques such as pursed lip breathing. Additionally, they may show the patient how to make modifications in their home environment and utilize assistive equipment. Finally, occupational therapists may teach prioritizing tasks and using energy conservation strategies during daily activities, taking regular rest breaks, delegating tasks to others and delegating simple tasks to others.
People living with COPD may benefit from pursed lip breathing to increase oxygen intake and decrease feelings of exhaustion, helping them feel more active while improving quality of life. It is important that pursed lip breathing be practiced safely; always seek advice from a medical provider prior to trying any new breathing techniques.
For this exercise, first sit or lie down while relaxing your neck and shoulders. Next, inhale slowly through your nose for two seconds with mouth closed; exhale through lips for four or more seconds with mouth open (it helps if counting to yourself!). When used correctly, one should feel their abdomen expand with each inhalation and contract with each exhalation – this will prevent hyperpneic breathing which is intense or deep breathing that leaves one feeling short of breath.
