Occupational Therapy and Arthritis

Occupational Therapy and Arthritis


What does an occupational therapist do?

An occupational therapist, or OT, is a trained health professional who works with people of all ages, helping them to carry out everyday activities and lead fulfilling lives. Some OTs have developed specialist skills in treating people with arthritis.
Where does an occupational therapist work?

An OT is usually based in a hospital, social services department or primary care trust. The hospital-based OT may see you in the OT department, on the ward or in the out-patient clinic. Occasionally s/he may visit you at home. Social services and primary care OTs usually see
you at home.

How can I be referred to an occupational therapist?

You may be referred to a specialist OT by your consultant rheumatologist (or by another member of the multidisciplinary team) when you are first diagnosed or if you have difficulties getting about or managing everyday activities. Some rheumatology departments also offer an open system, where patients can request to see the OT. Your GP can also refer you. You can approach social services yourself if you are having difficulty managing at home.

What happens at my first meeting with an occupational therapist?


When you see the OT, s/he will make an assessment of your condition, including which joints are affected and where there is pain. S/he will ask about any problems you may be having. It may help to write them down beforehand and to make a list of questions you want to ask. Think about difficulties with activities such as washing and dressing, preparing meals, getting around your home, turning on taps or using electrical appliances. Be sure also to mention any difficulties you may have in doing your job or your hobbies, or driving your car.

Having discovered which activities are important to you and highlighted particular problems, the OT will explore possible solutions with you. This might involve telling you about specialist equipment or changing the way you do some things to ease pain and fatigue.
How can an occupational therapist help me?

1. Giving practical advice on how you can overcome everyday problems

* Making everyday activities easier The OT can help you to analyse your activities, working out where the problems are and suggesting changes. You may need to rethink the way you do things, such as positioning yourself more comfortably, taking frequent rest breaks or asking someone to help with heavier jobs. For example, while doing the ironing, you may have difficulties standing for long periods and gripping the iron. The solution may be to sit to iron, wear a supportive wrist splint and use a light-weight iron.

* Specialist equipment The OT can help you identify and obtain specialist equipment to help you get about and manage everyday tasks. This may range from a raised toilet seat to a stairlift. The OT will help you choose which equipment suits your needs and advise you where you can obtain it. Some items are widely available, such as a wide-handled vegetable peeler or chunky-grip pen to improve grip. For other items, such as a kettle tipper or bath seat, you may need a more specialist shop. Community equipment services may provide items on loan. Social services OTs are experts in home adaptations such as level-access showers and ramps.

* Mobility You may have difficulties getting out and about. An automatic car and power steering may be all you need to keep you driving. If turning your head is difficult, an interior mirror with a wide 'panoramic' view may help. These are stocked by some car accessory shops. If your disability is more complex it may be helpful to have an assessment at a Mobility Centre if there is one in your area (see 'Further information'). The OT can also advise you about wheelchairs and scooters.

2. Offering advice about employment and leisure activities

If you have arthritis you may have difficulty doing some aspects of your job. You may have had to take time off work and be concerned about how you will cope when you return. You will want to get as much information as possible and the OT will be able to assess your situation and advise you.

OTs recognise the importance of being able to continue your hobbies and leisure activities. They may be able to suggest adaptations to help you with activities – see the arc booklet 'Gardening and Arthritis'.

3. Discussing your condition and what you can do to help yourself

Many people with arthritis describe how their joints hurt, their muscles ache, and often they feel really tired, especially at the end of the day. Whichever type of arthritis you have it makes sense to start looking after your joints as soon as you know that you have arthritis. By making changes early on you can help to avoid problems becoming worse in the future.

The OT will show you how to look after your joints by reducing strain, which should also ease aches and pains. This approach is called 'joint protection

4. Providing splints to rest or support painful or unstable joints

Wearing splints can help to rest and support painful, swollen joints. For example, a wrist or thumb splint may improve grip if these joints are painful or unstable. The OT may make splints specially for you, or prescribe ready-made splints.