Optimizing Daily Function in Neuropathy: Practical Strategies

October 27, 2026 Optimizing Daily Function in Neuropathy: Practical Strategies Presenter: Catharine Eckersley, M.O.T., M.A., B.A. Valley to Peak OT Consulting Description Peripheral neuropathy presents complex functional challenges, often disrupting a client’s independence, safety, and overall quality of life. This webinar outlines a comprehensive, evidence-based presentation designed to equip clinicians and clients with practical, low-cost strategies to mitigate the multifaceted impacts of neuropathy. Drawing from a highly successful session delivered to the Calgary Neuropathy Association, this presentation bridges clinical theory with actionable, real-world interventions. Attendees will explore critical topics essential to comprehensive neuropathy care, such as mobility and falls risk, offering targeted interventions to enhance stability and confidence. The discussion on adaptive equipment spans vital daily activities, including self-care, cooking, cleaning, bathroom safety, and intimacy, emphasizing accessible modifications. Grounded in energy and pain management, the webinar introduces the "boom-bust cycle" and the "6Ps" framework to help clients conserve energy and mitigate chronic pain. Furthermore, the presentation dives into neurological recovery and physical adaptation, highlighting sensory re-education, neuroplasticity, and specialized hand therapy techniques. Finally, the mechanics of home assessments to facilitate aging-in-place, alongside critical updates on workplace ergonomics and vehicle driving safety will be touched on. Ultimately, this session provides a thorough background on neuropathy symptomology and its functional impact. Participants will walk away with an extensive toolkit of easy-to-implement strategies and equipment prescriptions. These tools are directly aimed at increasing daily function, maximizing safety, and empowering clients living with neuropathy to navigate their environments with renewed autonomy. Learning Objectives • Identify neuropathy symptoms and their specific impacts on daily functional independence. • Prescribe low-cost equipment and teach adaptive strategies to clients to better manage symptoms while completing meaningful self-care, productivity, and leisure activities. • Be able to teach energy conservation principles to clients to mitigate increase in symptoms and prevent ‘boom-bust cycle’. Presenter Bio CEO of Albertan-based community private practice Valley to Peak, Catharine Eckersley has over a decade of occupational therapy experience in the private healthcare system. She is an experienced presenter for CAOT, SAOT, and the University of Alberta. Her callings are accessibility, mental health, inclusion, and social justice, and as such she is proud to sit on the Boards of Accessibility Renovations for Kids (ARK) and Accessible Housing.