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SIOUX CITY (KTIV) – A Sioux City resident is living with Parkinson’s Disease and Dystonia, which is a movement disorder. After her diagnosis about ten years ago, she has now turned to a CNOS Occupational Therapist. “In general, I came because I had fallen and had a change in medications. I had fallen and hit my head pretty hard and really needed help. I was losing coordination. It was difficult to eat. I couldn’t write,” said Linda Drey.
The wife and mother needed her strength and ability to accomplish what might be simple daily movements for others. “It‘s been wonderful. There were aids that I didn’t know about. Kim, my therapist, talked to me about hand weights because I had a constant tremor,” said Drey. Linda Drey met CNOS Occupational Therapist Kim Cooper almost a year ago. “I didn’t think it would work, but it really does. You can see I have a little tremor going, now I have no tremor,” explained Rey.
“We looked at different neurological techniques we use. Basically, with Parkinson’s, we work it with a neuroplasticity of the brain. The neuroplasticity of the brain makes new connections, so that improves the motor functions,” said Cooper. Cooper has worked intensely with Drey since December. “With the program that I’m certified in, the LSVT BIG that uses big movement patterns in physical and occupational therapy to create those new connections, which also create or enhance the motor function. So, making it easier for someone to get dressed or walk or stand,” said Cooper.
Since that time, Drey says Cooper has helped her achieve a quality of life she is so grateful for. “I never would have written in cursive,” added Drey. Cooper said, “She started to work on that, and she would bring me her writing. I could see it was getting better and better every time and she could sign her name and it was legible. Just to see that joy on her face just really brought me some joy because it makes you want to do more.”
She even has a specialized set of silverware. “It just has enough weight, it just helps with the tremors so that you can eat like salads and separate vegetables. An Occupational Therapist can do so much more than what most people think they can. And help improve quality of life so much!” said Drey.
Here’s how you can learn more about the CNOS Occupational Therapy program.