Role of Occupational Therapy in Management of Rheumatic Diseases

Introduction

A chronic inflammatory disease called rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may make the joints stiff and swollen and cause pain, exhaustion, and mental discomfort. It may result in irreversible joint injuries, limiting function and mobility. One could need to adjust their daily routine to address these symptoms. Occupational therapy (OT) can help one manage rheumatoid arthritis and address some issues. Occupational therapy for rheumatoid arthritis aims to support patients in maintaining or regaining their capacity to carry out daily activities and participate in fulfilling jobs despite the limitations imposed by the illness.

What Occurs in Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy is a type of treatment that assists individuals in dealing with physical, emotional, and social difficulties. The therapist creates personalized plans to help patients achieve their goals and engage safely in their everyday activities. It can support patients with any injury, condition, or disability that affects their daily lives.

When Should One Consider Occupational Therapy for Arthritis?

Discuss the potential for occupational therapy with the doctor. There are several ways to treat rheumatoid arthritis so individuals can live their lives to the fullest. The prime objective should be to lessen symptoms. If individuals take drugs that lessen their symptoms, they might not require occupational therapy, but it can still be helpful by offering suggestions on safeguarding their joints. Individuals could also think about occupational therapy.

• Due to previous rheumatoid arthritis flare-ups, joint motion is restricted.

• The drug does not completely relieve stiffness and joint discomfort.

• One must try to avoid using drugs to treat their disease.

How Does Occupational Therapy Assist in Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis?

The goal of rheumatoid arthritis occupational therapy is to help patients preserve or restore their capacity. It will help to carry out everyday tasks and participate in fulfilling jobs. Occupational therapists assist patients in overcoming the environmental, psychological, and physical difficulties brought on by rheumatoid arthritis. Therapy's main objective is to assist individuals in adjusting their physical restrictions so they can effectively carry out everyday tasks. An occupational therapist will create treatment objectives for individuals after assessing their present state and discussing their requirements and limits. This consists of adjusting to joint discomfort, avoiding prolonged periods of inactivity, seeking workouts that increase muscle and strength, and restricting things that might tire one. The therapist may recommend one or more strategies to help individuals manage their disease.

What Are the Occupational Therapy (OT) Interventions for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?

• Exercise: Occupational therapists could advise frequent RA occupational therapy exercises, such as strength and resistance training or aerobic workouts. These might include the following:

  • Exercising with weights.

  • Swimming.

  • Doing Tai Chi, yoga, or strolling.

Depending on the conditions, the best exercise will vary. For instance, swimming can be a suitable match if they have knee or foot discomfort or stiffness. Depending on joint mobility, individuals might need to alter some positions if they attempt yoga. One can obtain advice from their occupational therapist on maximizing the benefits of a fitness program.

• Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): Occupational therapists help people maintain or re-learn the skills required for self-care tasks, including bathing, dressing, grooming, restroom use, and eating. If individuals have restricted joint movement and dexterity, it may be more difficult for them to do fine or gross motor activities, such as buttoning a shirt or opening a jar. To increase independence in these activities, they could impart alternate methods, offer adaptable tools, or make alterations to the home's interior.

• Joint Protection and Energy Preservation: Individuals are taught joint protection strategies by occupational therapists to lessen stress on injured joints during regular activities. To lessen weariness and preserve energy, they offer advice on optimal body mechanics, ergonomics, and energy-saving techniques.

• Work and Productivity: Occupational therapists will analyze a patient's ability to carry out activities. After that, they will suggest workplace adaptations and assistive technologies to help with job performance and safety.

• Recreational and Leisure Activities: Occupational therapists help people with rheumatoid arthritis identify leisure and recreational pursuits that they find rewarding and meaningful. They recommend adaptable equipment, give strategies for altering activities, and impart skills for continuing hobbies and leisure activities while managing the symptoms.

• Splinting and Orthotics: Occupational therapists may create and provide specially-made splints or orthotics to support and safeguard injured joints. These tools support enhanced hand and wrist function and reduce discomfort, inflammation, and joint abnormalities. Instruments may be used to warm and relax or chill and calm the joints. Wheeled carts, bags, and storage units to reduce needless lifting splints to cushion, strengthen, or ease joint mobility bars and other supporting equipment for regions where they need to go up and down.

• Pain Treatment: To assist people in controlling the pain brought on by rheumatoid arthritis, occupational therapists use a variety of pain management strategies, including guided imagery, relaxation techniques, and heat and cold therapy.

• Emotional Support: Occupational therapists offer emotional support, counseling, and coping techniques to assist people in managing the emotional and psychological difficulties that frequently accompany the disease. As required, they could also help people connect with support groups or mental health specialists.

What Are the Benefits of Occupational Therapy for RA?

An occupational therapist can help to manage RA symptoms in various ways.

• Pain management.

• Avoiding extra pain and fatigue.

• Reducing injury risks.

• Increasing energy levels.

• Lessening pain in specific joints during certain tasks.

• Protecting your joints and tendons from daily activities.

• Achieving daily goals and desires.

Addressing these factors can help one enjoy a more complete life that includes work and social interactions. Just keep in mind that while occupational therapy for arthritis can help with daily living and symptom management, it cannot restore mobility to permanently damaged joints.

What Are the Challenges to Integrating OT Into RA Care?

A challenge in incorporating occupational therapy (OT) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is that many healthcare professionals and patients with RA do not know about the various services that occupational therapists provide. Additionally, there is limited access to occupational therapists who specialize in musculoskeletal issues. Like other healthcare professions, OT training covers limited time for musculoskeletal disorders and RA. More importantly, there is a lack of strong evidence about the effectiveness of OT interventions for the treatment of patients with RA.

Conclusion

Occupational therapists help people overcome obstacles and improve their overall quality of life by resolving the physical, emotional, and environmental issues related to rheumatoid arthritis. They help people regain their independence in everyday chores, participate in employment and leisure activities, and manage the emotional effects of living with rheumatoid arthritis. Interventions include adjusting activities, teaching joint protection, and providing assistive equipment. Occupational therapy supports people with rheumatoid arthritis in living a meaningful and full life by collaborating with patients, their families, and medical providers.