In past blogs we have discussed in detail how broad disability is, and therefore how broad those that Adaptive Clothing benefits is too. You can read about how Adaptive Clothing helps those with intellectual disability, sensory needs or really anyone through these links. Today we wanted to focus on those with chronic pain and fatigue. Often those that belong to these groups are overlooked when it comes to having dressing needs. We know as Occupational Therapists that these conditions can make everyday tasks very challenging. For a task like getting dressed, which most people would like to do every day, traditional clothing can be difficult to manage, adding unnecessary strain and discomfort. This is where Adaptive Clothing comes in, making dressing more manageable and more comfortable for those with chronic pain and fatigue.
If you don’t know by now what Adaptive Clothing is, we recommend going back to our earlier blog which discusses this in detail. To summarise, Adaptive Clothing has design features that make dressing easier or more comfortable for those with a disability, and therefore increases independence, participation and dignity for the wearer. For reference, in Australia, there are estimated to be 3.4 million people with chronic pain, a considerable portion of the population who need to be considered when designing adaptive products. So let’s look at how Adaptive Clothing can actually help.
One of the most significant benefits of Adaptive Clothing for people with chronic fatigue or pain is the reduction in physical strain. Traditional buttons, zippers, and tight-fitting garments can be particularly challenging for individuals with limited mobility or dexterity. Adaptive Clothing eliminates these hurdles with easy-to-use fastenings that require minimal effort. For instance, magnetic buttons can be fastened with a simple touch, and Velcro closures can be adjusted with one hand. For someone with chronic pain or fatigue, this reduction in physical strain can mean the difference between being able to dress independently or needing assistance. Independence is not just a matter of convenience; for some, it is crucial for maintaining self-esteem and a sense of control. This reduction in physical strain can also mean the difference between having enough energy or comfort levels to be able to participate in more meaningful activities like leaving the house or socialising with others. The flow-on effect this physical strain can have on the rest of the day should not be underestimated.
Comfort is another critical factor for individuals with chronic conditions. JAM’s products always consider the comfort of the person wearing the garments by having features like soft and breathable fabrics, no tags and flat seams where possible that minimise irritation and pressure points. These designs can prevent chafing and discomfort, which are common issues for people with hypersensitivity or limited movement due to chronic pain and fatigue.
For those with conditions that cause swelling or fluctuating body sizes, Adaptive Clothing often features adjustable elements, such as elastic waistbands or additional access points. These allow the wearer to customise the fit to their comfort level, accommodating changes in their body throughout the day.
Many chronic conditions require regular medical treatments, such as physiotherapy, massages, or the use of medical devices. Adaptive Clothing can facilitate these treatments by providing easy access to specific body parts without the need to fully undress. For example, garments with strategically placed zippers or openings allow for quick and easy access to areas where injections or physical therapy might be administered. Our Neoprene Zip Jumper is a great example of this (and one of our most popular products) with hidden zips along both sleeves for access to things like IV lines, and blood pressure cuffs, as well as a zip along the shoulder which can provide access to chest ports and more.
The psychological and emotional benefits of Adaptive Clothing are just as significant as the physical advantages. Wearing stylish, well-fitted clothing can improve self-esteem and overall mental health. At JAM we really understand the significance of this and strive to create garments that are both functional and fashionable. This means individuals do not have to sacrifice style for comfort and convenience.
We know that not everyone has the same understanding of how particular dressing needs can impact day to day life, so we often refer to real life experiences we’ve had to paint a clearer picture. For example, a real life experience of chronic fatigue is a friend of mine who is in her early 30s. Getting dressed in the morning took so much from her energy supplies that she was only able to change her clothes every few days, and usually into pyjamas or her dressing gown, as it was more important that she reserved those energy supplies for self-care tasks like toileting and showering. Now, with the use of Adaptive Clothing not only is she able to get dressed so much more easily and in less time, using significantly less energy. But as a young independent woman she is able to change her clothes every day and wear something that is age-appropriate that she would be confident socialising with her friends whilst wearing. This simple change has had a profound impact on her daily life, in so many more ways than just being able to get dressed.
Adaptive clothing represents a significant advancement in improving the quality of life for individuals with chronic fatigue or chronic pain. By reducing physical strain, enhancing comfort, facilitating medical treatment, and offering psychological benefits, these garments provide a holistic solution to some of the everyday challenges faced by this population.
