Reason for Services
What condition was Melanie recently diagnosed with?
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
What is Melanie’s profession?
Hairdresser in a busy salon
Who does Melanie live with?
Her husband and four children
What motor skills are most impacted by Melanie’s RA?
Fine motor skills for cutting hair, gripping tools, and lifting her arms overhead
What is one of Melanie’s primary self-care goals?
Manage morning stiffness to start her day with less pain
What early symptoms did Melanie experience?
Morning stiffness in her hands, wrists, and ankles lasting over an hour
How does RA affect Melanie’s ability to work?
Pain in her hands, wrists, and shoulders makes cutting and blow-drying hair difficult
What is one environmental factor that impacts Melanie’s condition?
Her two-story home requires frequent stair use
What time of day is Melanie’s stiffness most severe?
Morning (lasting more than one hour)
What is a work-related goal Melanie has?
Continue working as a hairdresser with reduced pain and fatigue
What other areas have become painful for Melanie?
shoulders
How does Melanie’s work schedule impact her symptoms?
Standing for long hours and repetitive hand use increase pain and fatigue
What is a key support system for Melanie?
Her church and large extended family
How does fatigue affect Melanie’s daily routine?
She struggles to maintain energy for work and home responsibilities
What leisure activity is important to Melanie?
Bowling with her husband once a week
Why was Melanie referred to an occupational therapist?
For evaluation and treatment to manage pain, stiffness, and functional limitations
What other role does Melanie have outside of work?
She is a mother of four and an active church volunteer
How does Melanie’s religious faith impact her recovery?
It provides emotional strength and resilience
What adaptive strategies could help Melanie at work?
Using lightweight tools, ergonomic grips, and pacing tasks
What family role does Melanie value most?
Being an active mother to her four children
How does RA impact Melanie’s energy levels?
She experiences significant fatigue, which affects daily function
Why is Melanie’s work critical to her self-identity?
She enjoys being a hairdresser and relies on her income to support her family
What role does Melanie’s husband play in her daily life?
He helps with household tasks and childcare, sharing responsibilities
How does Melanie’s pain impact her emotional health?
She feels short-tempered and frustrated when she cannot perform as she used to
Why is energy conservation important for Melanie?
It helps her balance work, family, and self-care without overexertion