Beyond Medications: The Impact of Occupational Therapy on My AiArthritis Management

AiArthritis diseases are so much more than joint pain. They require an integrative team to treat the many forms of arthritis effectively.

April is Occupational Therapy Month, a time to celebrate occupational therapists who empower people to overcome challenges and live independently. It’s also an opportunity to raise awareness about this essential healthcare field and its transformative impact.

Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the young age of 29, it's difficult to find an aspect of my life that hasn't been impacted by this disease. As a single mother, the unrelenting fatigue can make caring for myself and my child feel like a daily mountain to climb. Pain can turn simple tasks like washing my face or vacuuming into painful ordeals, and a shower can leave me needing a nap. Medications and inflammation can cause fogginess and forgetfulness. Every day I walk a fine line between doing too much or too little, both of which can aggravate my arthritis symptoms.

Rheumatologists can prescribe medications and explain our diseases, but they can't fully guide us on how to adapt and live well with arthritis outside of their medical scope. They are crucial in referring us to the right care providers we need beyond their expertise.

The daily struggles I face are incredibly common among arthritis patients. Before, I felt alone in how arthritis was affecting me each day, but that is far from the truth.  Occupational therapy helps us better perform daily activities, maintain independence, and achieve a better overall quality of life by protecting inflamed and painful joints and addressing other debilitating AiArthritis disease symptoms.

My Experience with Occupational Therapy

My journey with occupational therapy has evolved over the years. From being devastated to becoming a patient leader, eight years into my diagnosis, I am now a well-known rheumatoid arthritis patient advocate, writer, speaker, support group host, and patient partner in health research and steering committees. I owe much of my understanding, navigation, and thriving as an advocate, mother, and person living with arthritis to occupational therapy.

Occupational therapists play a critical role in self-management, a crucial part of living well with any chronic illness. While rheumatologists focus on medical treatments, OTs provide practical advice on making daily life easier with an AiArthritis disease. Physical therapists and occupational therapists have been invaluable in managing my AiArthritis disease.

Beyond Work-Related Assistance

Unfortunately, not everyone with arthritis has timely access to occupational therapy, especially those in rural areas or facing financial or language barriers. Some rheumatologists also fail to inform patients about OT referrals. It's crucial to refer newly diagnosed patients and those throughout their arthritis journey to an OT to provide customized support and care.

One of the simplest yet most effective pieces of advice from an OT was to place my most-used items within arm's reach to reduce joint pain and overuse. These joint protection strategies help avoid overusing joints, reduce fatigue triggers, and prevent further injury. Shelving my daily used items for easy access has significantly reduced my pain and cognitive dysfunction, simplifying my daily routine even when feeling foggy or forgetful.

OTs emphasize the importance of prioritizing, pacing, positioning, and planning to manage arthritis effectively. Prioritizing what truly matters, pacing activities to manage symptoms, maintaining proper ergonomics, and planning daily tasks around peak energy times are crucial strategies that have transformed my life.

Understanding Pain Mechanisms

Occupational therapy helps us understand pain mechanisms and provides tools, techniques, and exercises for pain alleviation. For example, I learned that applying too much heat to inflamed joints was more harmful than beneficial; instead, using ice and minimizing heat helped reduce inflammation.

Navigating Assistive Devices

Choosing the right assistive devices can be overwhelming. OTs guide us in selecting cost-effective, high-quality equipment that reduces joint stress and improves daily functioning. From electric can openers to jar openers, raised toilet seats, and more, OTs help identify the best tools for our needs.

Occupational therapists provide unique care and expertise essential for managing AiArthritis disease. Their practical advice and easy-to-understand knowledge make them invaluable members of my healthcare team.

In conclusion, occupational therapists are unsung heroes in my AiArthritis disease care team. Their support and guidance have been instrumental in helping me navigate life with an AiArthritis disease, achieving a better quality of life, and thriving as an advocate and mother.