In this, the eleventh episode in our Learn About ME podcast series, we discuss how Occupational Therapy can support people living with Long Covid and M.E. Our guests are Katie Davies, Occupational Therapy Team Lead in NHS Grampian; and Corinne, a patient with Long Covid.

 To avoid potential harms by energy management being wrongly applied, the 2021 NICE guideline for ME/CFS recommends that, “in specific circumstances, people with ME/CFS should be referred to a physiotherapist or Therapist (OT) in an ME/CFS specialist team.”

 OTs can uncover the relationship between the challenges people face, their environment and the daily activities they need and want to carry out.

 The podcast highlights the importance of taking a person-centred approach and being flexible from the beginning, with practical tips based on experience. 

 Corrine talks about the difference occupational therapy made to her, including supporting with pacing, while Katie highlights the need for OTs to understand post exertional malaise (PEM) and how it impacts in ME/CFS and Long Covid, triggered by the smallest amount of activity (physical, cognitive, emotional). 

 Any healthcare professional can learn more about ME/CFS and the vital adjustments the people may need in consultations and support services by taking Dr Nina Muirhead’s free 60-minute Learna CPD module.