Lesson 20: Desensitisation Techniques
Channel: Occupational Therapy UiTM
Date: 2023-06-20

Desensitisation is a technique employed to help clients recovering from nerve injuries manage hypersensitivity or discomfort in the affected area. Comparable to gradually adjusting to a bright light after being in the dark, desensitisation involves exposing the injured area to different textures, pressures, and sensations in a controlled manner to reduce heightened sensitivity. For instance, someone with nerve injury-related pain might gently touch and rub various textured materials against their skin to gradually "teach" their nerves to tolerate these sensations without overreacting. This technique aims to retrain the nerves' responses, lessening pain and discomfort over time and allowing individuals to engage in daily activities more comfortably. Close collaboration with healthcare professionals or therapists is crucial to tailor the desensitisation process effectively to each individual's needs.