How to Use Occupational Therapy to Treat Arthritis

When you have arthritis, performing even the simplest daily tasks can be difficult. This is especially true if you have not had arthritis for long and haven't yet learned how to cope with it. Occupational therapy is designed to teach you how to function in daily life again while adequately managing your symptoms. This may involve learning new ways to do things you've done for years. Learning to use occupational therapy to treat arthritis can be a big benefit to you.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Proper shoes
• Assistive devices
• Heating devices
• Ice packs

Use Occupational Therapy to Treat Arthritis

1. Talk with your occupational therapist about your particular kind of arthritis and how it can affect your daily activities.

2. Learn about the importance of rest. It is easy to be tempted to do too much in a day, especially when you're busy working and raising a family. However, too much activity can put stress on your joints. Your occupational therapist will help you learn to strike a good balance between rest and work.

3. Get an introduction to exercise. Regular exercise is essential for maintaining joint strength and function with arthritis. Your occupational therapist will go over some simple exercises with you that you can use to stay in shape without damaging your joints.

4. Explore the benefits of ice and heat. Both of these are appropriate at different times to treat arthritis symptoms. Your occupational therapist will teach you when and how to use each one.

5. Try out some assistive devices. When you have arthritis, some daily tasks can be challenging, such as opening a jar or putting on your shoes. Your occupational therapist will have a variety of devices designed to help with these tasks and can show you how to use them and let you know where to buy them.

6. Get some shoe advice. Comfortable shoes are critical to having a good day when you have arthritis. Your occupational therapist will show you the different shoe options and let you know if special orthotic inserts may benefit you.

7. Find out if you need to lose weight. Excess weight can increase your mobility difficulties if you have arthritis. Your occupational therapist will give you dietary advice if it is determined you need to lose weight.

Tips & Warnings

• Occupational therapy is not physical therapy. You will not be doing strenuous exercises at your occupational therapy sessions. The most you might do is some mild stretching to warm up at the beginning of a session.