NEWS
Occupational therapist lights up Hanley for complex regional pain syndrome
Occupational therapist Sarah Shaw organised Hanley town centre to be lit up in recognition of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Awareness during November .
Hanley town was lit up for the Colour the World Orange Day on 2 November , a worldwide event raising awareness of the condition .
Sarah developed the condition when her knee became highly painful after a small surgical procedure in 2014 , but getting a formal diagnosis took over 11 months . She had to use a wheelchair for almost a year while she relearnt how to walk , and now relies on a mobility scooter for walking longer distances . The condition has also now spread to an arm , affecting her ability to do everyday tasks such as driving and looking after herself .
‘ I knew I wasn ’ t going crazy , but other people couldn ’ t understand it ,’ says Sarah . ‘ I have a really supportive husband , but I couldn ’ t explain what was happening . I ’ ve lost friends who have known me for 20 years , as I don ’ t know if they think I ’ m exaggerating it , even after explaining it ’ s a neurological condition . Even a dentist asked me the other day why I can use a wheelchair sometimes but not others .’
Sarah was previously a head occupational therapist in a mental health service in Dorset , but had to leave her job as the pain advanced . She has since worked in the
Sarah Shaw private sector , starting with Continuing Healthcare reviews and expert witness work , but gradually shifting to return-to-work support as the level of mobility required to do those jobs was too painful . Increased medication levels also made very complex and detailed work too difficult to manage .
‘ I feel sad to have my career taken away , and feel that somebody should have known about it a bit sooner ,’ says Sarah . ‘ I wasn ’ t diagnosed early enough and that ’ s why I was left with this higher level of disability .’
Complex regional pain syndrome ( CRPS ) is a neurological disorder and known for being painful , debilitating , chronic and sometimes progressive . The cause is unknown , but the condition usually develops after sprains or small surgical procedures . Despite its often small beginnings , the pain from CRPS is out of all proportion to the original injury and can affect the whole nervous system . An affected limb often has extreme skin sensitivity and is often subject to extreme temperature variations . Restricted blood flow can also make wound healing difficult , sometimes leading to amputations .
Sarah is keen for more people to recognise the symptoms of the condition as timely treatment gives the best chance of making some recovery . People can access expert centres through their GP if they have suspected symptoms .
AWARDS
Online training developed by an occupational therapist for educators wins innovation award
Occupational therapist Kim Griffin has won a 2020 Fair Education Alliance award for education equality . Kim won the award for her online training packages focused on sensory and fine motor skills , which help to train and support educators supporting children with additional education needs .
Kim started developing the training packages in 2017 , to provide an affordable and easily-accessible way for parents and educators to access support , and it has seen significant growth during the COVID-19 pandemic as educators have looked for online CPD options .
As part of the award , Kim is receiving a place on the alliance ’ s innovation incubator , offering an intensive programme of technical and leadership training . She can also access strategic support , access to peers and mentors , and a salary contribution . Kim will next be looking at how impact measurement can be embedded into the training .
Kim said : ‘ I am really excited about the opportunities that the FEA innovation programme will offer in terms of impact measurement and networks within education . It ’ s also a fantastic opportunity to showcase the support occupational therapy can give to educators .’
The judges said : ‘ There are over a million students in England having identified special educational needs . We need more support and resources going in that direction . Kim is attempting to change the status quo in occupational health by enabling the families and teachers of vulnerable pupils to develop the capacity to support them effectively . Kim aims to provide affordable , high quality online children ’ s occupational therapy advice for schools and families .’
Kim Griffin
10 OTnews December 2020