GETTING READY TO SEE YOUR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Your occupational therapist will work with you to help improve or preserve your quality of life by keeping you active, functional, and independent. You can start seeing an occupational therapist anytime after your diagnosis. It is definitely helpful to get started as soon as you notice that your arthritis is presenting challenges in any of your daily routine activities.

Preparing for your first visit
Your therapist will want to know your present activity level and your goals for function. You can take notes ahead of time to help save time during your first visit. Write down your daily schedule, including where you go and how you get around. List your daily and weekly tasks, as well as any hobbies, sports, or other recreational activities. Be ready to describe your home, including the layout, steps, etc. Your therapist will then perform a physical evaluation to
assess your function. Finally, the two of you will collaborate to come up with a plan of action.

What to expect from your therapy
Your therapist will work with you to create new, efficient ways pf performing tasks that may be becoming difficult because of your arthritis. You may need to relearn how to do things like cooking or putting your shoes on. Your therapist may make splints for better joint support and function. Your therapist may recommend installing handles and railings on walls and objects so that you can navigate your home better and more safely. To accomplish your functional goals, you may need several therapy visits over many weeks or months.

During therapy, you will learn how to work around your arthritis to stay active. Over the years, your arthritis symptoms may change, and you may need to revisit your therapist to revise your treatment plan to maintain and preserve your function.