Arthritis is a painful condition that affects Australians of all ages and can be effectively managed if treated early. It is a progressive disease that worsens over time and can be extremely difficult to manage if left untreated.
Fortunately, treatments such as hand occupational therapy are available. So, you can be confident that they can help people with early-stage arthritis improve their quality of life and get on top of the condition. Let’s look at some benefits of hand occupational therapy for early arthritis.
1. Hand Therapy for Arthritis Offers Pain Relief
Hand occupational therapy can help relieve common pain conditions in various ways. To begin, occupational therapists can use heat or cold therapy, ultrasound, and/or electrical stimulation to reduce pain and inflammation in affected joints. These modalities can aid in the promotion of healing and the improvement of blood flow to affected areas. Additionally, pain relief can also be achieved through therapeutic exercises and activities prescribed by the therapist, which can help improve muscle strength and flexibility, reducing pain and inflammation.
2. Hand Therapy Exercises for Arthritis Improve Range of Motion
Occupational therapy exercises can also help improve joint mobility, flexibility and range of motion. So, it allows you to do the activities you enjoy without putting undue strain on your joints. Moreover, therapists can teach you strategies and techniques for safely performing daily activities like dressing, eating and bathing.
3. Hand Therapy Exercises for Arthritis Strengthens Hand Muscles
A part of an occupational therapist’s job is to help you strengthen the muscles around your joints. This is important for maintaining strength and stability so you can move more efficiently and comfortably. Furthermore, a physical therapist may also be involved in developing an appropriate exercise plan. It can help you build and maintain muscle strength to help support your joints and work towards your goals.
4. Hand Therapy for Arthritis Guarantees Educated Solutions
Hand therapy exercises for arthritis can educate people about arthritis and self-management strategies to help them manage their symptoms. This may include explaining the disease process and how it affects daily life. They teach ways to conserve energy and reduce fatigue, provide activities of daily living instruction (ADLs), teach coping skills, and provide education on preventative measures to reduce joint pain and stiffness. They can also help educate family members and employers about the condition.
5. Hand Occupation Therapy is the Prevention & Early Intervention of Arthritis
Early intervention with occupational therapy can help prevent further joint damage and the need for more invasive treatments in the future. To reduce joint stress, your therapist may recommend lifestyle changes and ergonomic adjustments, such as changing workspaces or altering how you usually perform activities of daily living (ADLs). Therapists can also recommend adaptive equipment, such as assistive devices (walkers, scooters, wheelchairs), to help you with mobility and reduce joint strain.
The Bottom Line
Hand therapy for arthritis provides a comprehensive strategy for dealing with early-stage arthritis. Occupational therapists help people with arthritis live their lives to the fullest by restoring and preserving the health and function of their hands.
Contact Us
HandsOn Therapy is a Brisbane occupational therapist and hand therapy clinic that offers high-quality, easily accessible therapy services for the hands and upper limbs. We strive to provide a multidisciplinary approach to health with a reputation for expertise and training excellence from reliable, trustworthy, motivated, happy, and healthy people. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to evaluate your upper limb injury.