Adaptable devices

Occupational therapy, sometimes called ergotherapy, is a health profession that promotes health and well-being in everyday life. Occupational therapy can help you participate in activities and everyday tasks that give meaning and purpose to your life and discover ways to live as independently as possible. You can find an occupational therapist through your usual medical providers or at a private clinic. Occupational therapists do not have to be experts in myotonic dystrophy; however, they should be familiar with DM to provide you with the highest quality care.

During your first meeting with your occupational therapist, you can give them the Consensus-based Care Recommendations for Adults with Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 . and MDF’s Occupational Therapy Suggestions for the Management of a Myotonic Dystrophy Patient. Additionally, it may be helpful to write down the ways DM impacts your daily living before meeting with a therapist and bring that list with you to your first meeting.

Below you will find examples of occupational therapy suggestions for eating, kitchen activities, dressing and grooming, bathing and toileting, and assistive devices. For more information on occupational therapy, you can view this session from MDF’s 2025 Conference on Occupational Therapy and Home Health. You can also view MDF’s Ask the Expert Life Hacks Community Panel session to hear from community members about different tools that have helped them.

Eating

Myotonia in your hands can make holding utensils more difficult. Increasing the size of utensil handles allows you to use larger muscle groups instead of relying on small hand muscles, which can make eating easier. One simple option is adding soft foam handles to your existing utensils. Other helpful tools may include positioning aids, splints, or universal cuffs, which help secure utensils to your hand and reduce strain.

Dressing and Grooming

Like using utensils, making grooming tools bigger so they’re easier for you to use can be helpful. For example, using an electric toothbrush with a bigger handle may be easier for you than a traditional toothbrush. Extended handles on brushes/combs/other grooming tools can also help make this easier for you.

Dressing may also become challenging for you, especially tasks requiring fine motor coordination such as zippers and buttons. Making small adaptations can help:

• Attaching a key ring to your zipper pulls reduces the need to pinch small objects.
• Using a button hook can make fastening your buttons easier.
• Clothing with Velcro or magnetic closures can be alternatives to traditional buttons.
• You can also explore strategies like avoiding tight clothing, adjusting your body position while dressing, or using adaptive equipment such as reachers, dressing sticks, or button hooks.

Kitchen Activities

You may find tasks like opening jars or chopping ingredients can be hard due to grip weakness and hand myotonia. Tools that allow you to use your whole arm instead of just your hand can be especially helpful. Examples include:

• Jar openers that stabilize the lid and let you use arm strength rather than hand strength.
• Electric can openers, which reduce the effort needed to open canned food.
• Kitchen scissors, including spring-loaded versions that automatically reopen after each cut, can be safer and easier to use than knives.

These tools can help you prepare meals with less fatigue and lower risk of injury.

Bathing and Toileting

Making small adjustments in the bathroom can significantly improve your safety and comfort.

For bathing, helpful tools include:

• A shower seat
• Grab bars
• Long-handled sponges
• Wash mitts

For toileting, helpful tools include:

• An elevated toilet seat
• Grab bars for support
• An attachable bidet
• Hygiene assist tools (e.g., wiping aids)

These supports can reduce fall risk, improve independence, and make daily self-care more manageable.

Assisted Mobility Devices

Assistive mobility devices can help support your independence, safety, and energy reserves. They may also help prevent falls or injuries.

Examples include:

• Braces
• Canes
• Walkers
• Crutches
• Manual or power wheelchairs
• Golf carts and certain ATVs (ADA Mobility Devices)

Using mobility devices is a proactive way to keep yourself moving safely and confidently.

Home Modifications

Home modifications can reduce strain and prevent injuries during your daily activities. For example:

• Non-slip materials like Dycem can make gripping doorknobs or turning light switches easier.
• Key turners can make locking and unlocking your doors less strenuous.
• Stair safety improvements such as removing loose runners, adding non-slip strips, improving lighting, using contrasting stair colors, installing a stair lift, or adding additional rails.
• Replacing round doorknobs with lever handles can make doors easier to open.
• Rubber threshold ramps or other aids can help with smooth movement throughout your home.

These modifications can help support your independence and reduce your risk without requiring major home renovations.