Pacing for PEM: An OT and PT perspective on what it is and how you can use pacing strategies in your daily life

Sunday, February 19, 2023, 4 p.m. EST

 

Amy Mooney, MS OTR/L

Sallie Rediske, MPT

Melinda Maxwell, PT

 

Amy Mooney, MS OTR/L, joined us to present an occupational therapist's perspective of pacing for PEM. Amy described the essential strategies of pacing for PEM and created a framework to analyze activity and tasks within the limitations of PEM. Offering the physical therapist perspective, Melinda Maxwell and Sallie Rediske discussed physiological biofeedback strategies of pacing. This OT/PT team offered examples of how the pacing for PEM framework can support pwME and Long COVID as they engage in redefined meaningful and purposeful activities of daily living.

Following the discussion, the panelists responded to questions from the audience. The entire program lasted about 90 minutes.

Materials from the presentation:

Lead Presenter: Amy Mooney, MS OTR/L

Amy is an Occupational Therapist (OT) in private practice specializing in therapeutic care for individuals with chronic conditions involving post-exertional malaise/post exertion symptom exacerbation (PEM/PESE). Amy’s Pacing for PEM guidelines and therapeutic protocol have been featured presentations at national and international conferences, continuing education programs for medical professionals, and patient advocacy webinars. As caregiver for a loved one with ME/CFS, Amy understands first-hand the challenges individuals and families experience seeking appropriate care.

Amy has a bachelor’s degree from Loyola University Chicago, a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Rush University Chicago, and is a returned Peace Corp volunteer. Amy lives in the Chicago area with her 3 teenage kids, husband, and pets.

Contributing Presenters:

Sallie Rediske, MPT, was in private practice for 18 years prior to ME/CFS requiring her medical retirement. She was nationally board certified in women's health physical therapy and specialized in the treatment of complex, chronic conditions, especially those having a pelvic pain component.

Melinda Maxwell, PT worked in a variety of clinical settings with an emphasis in gerontology before she became medically disabled due to ME/CFS. She co-founded the Facebook Group Physical Therapist/Occupational Therapist Resources for Treating ME/CFS and serves as co-administrator along with Sallie Rediske and Amy Mooney.

Other Resources:

Facebook Group: Physical Therapist/Occupational Therapist Resources for Treating ME/CFS

https://www.facebook.com/groups/3049027761780369/

Membership open to physical and occupational therapy clinicians for peer to peer resource/support.

(Not a patient group)