OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY FOR ARTHRITIS

Occupational therapy is important in the care of arthritis. Occupational threrapists (OTs) focus on helping patients preserve mobility to perform activities of self-care, daily living, work, hobbies, and recreation.

What is an occupational therapist?
An OT has a college degree, plus 2 to 3 additional years of schooling focused on learning occupational therapy principles. The typical OT has a master’s degree. Some OTs pursue further specialization in areas such as burns, neurology, or orthopedics.

What is the difference between OT and PT?
Physical therapists will focus on general strength and stability for specific body parts. Occupational therapists will work on helping patients perform tasks better.

How do OTs help patients?
An occupational therapist will assess someone’s abilities to perform certain tasks. Then, modifications and adaptations can be made to help patients accomplish activities safely and efficiently.

What can OTs do for joint problems?
Your therapist may recommend home treatments to soothe and relieve pain. Also, you may be given splints or braces to help painful or deformed joints perform better.

How does an OT make your home safer?
Your therapist can provide ideas to help you get around your house. You may need better railings for stairs and long walkways. You may need handles in the bathroom to pull yourself onto and off your toilet and to get in/out of the shower. You may be able to arrange to have a therapist come to your home to make specific recommendations to remove barriers and obstacles in your path.

If I am seeing a physical therapist, do I really need to see an occupational therapist?
Both types of therapists play an important role in the process of keeping you active and independent, but in different ways. Your physical therapist will work on general strength, stability and flexibility. Your occupational therapist will help apply you perform specific tasks better.

How do I schedule an appointment to see an OT?
Ask your primary care physician for a referral, and contact your insurance carrier to verify what benefits you have (cost, number of visits, etc) related to seeing an occupational therapist.