Q: I am 57 years old and over the years have been developing a more serious case of rheumatoid arthritis. My doctor has recommended occupational therapy for me. I know very little about what an occupational therapist does. How will I know if it will benefit me?
A: Coping with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on a day-to-day basis can be very difficult. As you probably know, RA is a disease where the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy tissues, mostly affecting the body’s smaller joints like the feet and hands. RA can cause redness, pain, deformities, swelling and heat around the joint. The symptoms can make it difficult to do daily activities such as dressing, personal care, cooking, cleaning and working. Your doctor has suggested an occupational therapist (OT), because they are specialized professionals who will give you advice on how to do everyday activities with more independence and less pain.
What is occupational therapy?
The primary goal of occupational therapy is to, assist people in continuing to participate in meaningful tasks and activities related to self care, work and leisure. Occupational therapy will help you find ways to live life easier and maximize your independence and safety.
What does an occupational therapist do?
An OT will visit your home or workplace to evaluate the environment and how you function in it. Your OT will also look at your hobbies and recreational activities. Your strengths and limitations will be determined with your OT through an assessment of your health, medical history and functional abilities.
Your OT will conduct a physical assessment which looks at your balance, range of motion, muscle strength and joint deformities. Restrictions in these areas might impede your ability to carry out the activities that are most important to you. This assessment will assist you and your OT to develop a treatment plan to manage and/or overcome limitations caused by your condition. Your OT will also teach you joint protection techniques to reduce joint strain and prevent further joint damage. He or she will also teach you strategies to manage fatigue and conserve your energy.
Additionally your OT will evaluate your ability to participate in a number of activities of daily living including: getting in and out of bed, bathing, grooming, dressing, cooking, cleaning, and shopping. Your OT may suggest an alternate way of doing things or suggest devices which make the activity easier to manage. The OT will work together with you to help you live more comfortably and productively.
--Barbara Cawley is VHA Home HealthCare and VHA Rehab Solutions Vice President of Client Services
