Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy focuses on helping individuals with physical, cognitive, or developmental challenges improve their ability to perform daily activities. For those with late-onset Tay-Sachs disease, occupational therapists work to enhance fine motor skills, strengthen muscles, and adapt the home or work environment to support greater independence. This therapy is essential for maintaining or improving the quality of life by addressing practical aspects of daily living, such as dressing, eating, and other self-care tasks.
One example of a Clinical Therapy exercise is using a Peg Board to sharpen motor skills. This exercise is done by inserting pegs into a wooden board. This exercise assists with sharpening motor skills and coordination.
Excercise 1
Step 1
- Sit tall with your hands in front of you
- Keep your elbows high
- Both feet, or at least toes, touching the floor
- Inhale
Step 2
- Exhale
- Turn “trunk” body toward TV
Step 3
- Inhale
- Exhale
- Open arms wide to sides!
Step 4
- Sit tall with your hands in front of you
- Keep your elbows high
- Both feet, or at least toes, touching the floor
- Inhale
Excercise 2
Step 1
- Twist and turn to your right with your hands interlocked
Step 2
- Open your arms while your twisting
Step 3
- Do the same on the opposite side
Excercise 3
Step 1
- Lay on your back
- Have one knee bent
Step 2
- Lay on your side
- Have knees bent
- Inhale for four seconds
- Hold your breath for four seconds
- Exhale for four seconds
Step 3
- Return to step 1
- Then repeat on the opposite side
Excercise 4
Step 1
- Lay on your side
- Have both legs bent
Step 2
- Open your top leg
- Keep your feet together
- Hold it for 8-10 seconds
Step 3
- Turn onto the opposite side
Step 4
- Repeat step 2 on the opposite side
Excercise 5
Step 1
- Hold your shin to your chest for 8-10 seconds while taking deeps breaths
Step 2
- Hold your hamstring to your chest for 8-10 seconds while taking deep breaths
Step 3
- Repeat on the opposite side