Regain Your Independence: The Vital Role of Occupational Therapy in Orthopedic Rehabilitation
July 12, 2023
Orthopedic injuries can drastically impact your daily life, leaving you unable to perform even the simplest tasks. But did you know that occupational therapy can be the key to regaining the independence lost from injuries or chronic conditions?
Occupational therapy is a vital aspect of rehabilitation for orthopedic patients. It’s designed to help you improve your ability to perform daily activities — from job-related tasks to your favorite leisure activities.
How Do Occupational Therapists Help Orthopedic Patients?
A variety of injured or disabled patients work with occupational therapists. They provide many therapeutic techniques to enable their patients to engage in activities they find meaningful. That can mean restoring the ability to interact with your environment by focusing on fine motor coordination and dexterity activities. It could also include integrating adaptive equipment, helping you regain hand and upper extremity strength, or upper extremity splinting for protection, mobilization and functional purposes. Whatever is needed to reclaim your quality of life.
Working with an occupational therapist can help you assess your physical abilities and limitations, develop a treatment plan that includes exercises to improve range of motion, strength, and endurance, and learn new ways to perform tasks and adapt to your environment. By doing so, you can reduce pain, prevent further injury, and regain your independence.
Occupational Therapy Benefits
One of the most significant benefits of occupational therapy for orthopedic patients is the use of adaptive equipment. With the help of an occupational therapist, you can learn how to use equipment such as grab bars, shower chairs, and raised toilet seats to perform tasks safely and independently. Your therapist can also recommend modifications to your home or work environment to make it more accessible and easier to navigate.
That said, occupational therapy isn’t just about regaining independence. It can also help you manage pain and reduce the risk of future injuries. By learning proper body mechanics and techniques for performing tasks, you can reduce stress on your joints and muscles. Your therapist can teach you how to use heat or cold therapy, as well as other pain management techniques, to alleviate discomfort and promote healing.
In short, if you’re an orthopedic patient, occupational therapy can be the key to reclaiming your independence and returning to your normal activities. Don’t hesitate to talk to your healthcare provider about how occupational therapy can help you regain control of your life.
When to Call Beacon
Not all orthopedic pain is created equal. If yours isn’t subsiding, it’s time to see an orthopedic specialist at Beacon. Our expert doctors have the experience to get you back to the life you love. Schedule an appointment online anytime.