Occupational therapy for rheumatism and osteoarthritis
Living with rheumatism or osteoarthritis often involves constantly striving to find the right balance. Some days things come easily, whilst other days are dominated by pain, stiffness or tiredness. As a result, activities that used to require little effort may now take more energy than you are used to.
You may find that cooking, household chores, getting dressed or walking longer distances are becoming more difficult. Work, hobbies or social activities may also be affected by painful joints or joints that are less mobile.
Occupational therapy helps you carry out everyday activities in a way that better suits your abilities and capacity. In doing so, we look not only at what is more difficult for you, but above all at how you can continue to carry out important activities as comfortably as possible.
What do we offer?
Occupational therapy for rheumatism and osteoarthritis focuses on maintaining independence, reducing strain on the joints and making it easier to carry out daily activities.
During an initial assessment, for example, we look at:
- which activities cause complaints or take a lot of energy;
- how pain, stiffness or tiredness affect your daily life;
- which movements or postures put strain on your joints;
- how activities can be organised or carried out differently;
- which aids or adaptations can provide support.
Depending on your situation, our support may include advice on joint protection, energy management, assistive devices, ergonomic adjustments, splints or practical solutions tailored to your daily life.
Who is this offer intended for?
Occupational therapy for rheumatism and osteoarthritis may be appropriate if you:
- experiences pain or stiffness during daily activities;
- notices that household chores are becoming more of a struggle;
- becomes tired more quickly during the day;
- has difficulty gripping, squeezing or performing fine motor tasks;
- want to find out how you can put less strain on your joints;
- if you have any questions about aids or adaptations;
- wish to continue living independently at home, at work or whilst pursuing your hobbies;
- want to continue doing what matters to you, despite your symptoms.
What can you expect?
An appointment with the occupational therapist begins with a discussion about your symptoms, daily activities and the things that are important for you to continue doing. In doing so, we look not only at your condition, but above all at how it affects your daily life.
Together, we’ll explore where strain arises and what solutions might help. This may involve looking at movements that place a lot of strain on your joints, how your activities are spread throughout the day, assistive devices, or ways to make tasks easier to perform.
