OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY FOR PEOPLE IN CHRONIC PAIN…

On the NHS website their description of Occupational Therapy is ‘Occupational therapy aims to improve your ability to do everyday tasks if you’re having difficulties‘

Occupational therapy is given to you by a therapist who is someone who can check your posture at work and at home, they can check your work-related positions and posture and suggest ways to help alleviate your pain at work or your work at home. They can also provide advice, look at ways an everyday task can be done differently; recommend alterations or changes at home; refer you to other services to help you and help you address work-related issues.

Occupational therapists can help you with practical tasks if you:

• are physically disabled
• are recovering from an illness or operation
• have learning disabilities
• have mental health problems
• are getting older

Occupational therapists have specialist knowledge and can advise you on disability equipment, housing adaptations and adaptations to the workplace. They are available through the NHS and your GP can put you in contact with your nearest therapist.

Within the context of chronic pain, occupational therapists evaluate the pain’s impact on your activities and quality of life, and equip you with the skills and strategies to manage the pain.

Occupational therapists can help you to carry out activities despite experiencing pain suggesting techniques to help you to conserve energy, and provide advice on caring for your muscles.

I have to admit I have not seen an occupational therapist and until I started reading into their services I was of the opinion they were mainly for the severely disabled and elderly.

I have always said to my children that ‘if you don’t ask you won’t get’ and ‘ if you don’t try you will never know’. So, I guess I should have asked as you just might get one pointer that could help you in one way or another.