Addressing Body Awareness in Rehabilitation: A case Report

This case report describes an increasingly observed clinical phenomenon and presents a novel rehabilitative approach via a comprehensive body awareness protocol designed to improve balance, postural stability, and motor performance to enhance functional performance and reduce falls. A client diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disease was referred for occupational therapy secondary to increased falls and a decreased ability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) safely. The client had been participating in a rigorous exercise regimen to remain functionally active but despite his best efforts he was losing the ability to perform functional tasks. Within six (6) weeks of participating in OT focused on principles of body awareness, the client had regained his independence in ADLs, and was no longer experiencing falls.