Navigating the Journey with Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy: A Personal Experience
When you live with a chronic condition like rheumatoid arthritis, you’ll meet numerous health professionals along your journey, each bringing their own expertise to help you manage and improve your quality of life. Two of the most significant groups I’ve encountered over the years are occupational therapists and physiotherapists. Their role in helping people like me, who battle ongoing joint pain and mobility challenges, has been vital in maintaining a sense of normalcy in my daily routine. I’d like to share how these professionals have impacted my life and offered practical, life-changing strategies to manage my condition.
My First Encounter with Occupational Therapy: A Lifeline for Daily Living
I vividly remember my first appointment with an occupational therapist. It was early on in my diagnosis when the stiffness in my hands and wrists was worsening. My joints, swollen and uncooperative, made simple tasks feel like monumental challenges. Writing, dressing, cooking, even holding a mug—all these everyday activities became something I had to strategize around.
The initial assessment by my occupational therapist was thorough. They took note of the changes in all my joints, especially my hands, which were suffering the most from stiffness and swelling. I was introduced to hand braces, a simple yet effective tool that made a world of difference. These braces provided support, alleviating some of the pain and helping to slow down the ongoing damage. It was such a relief to feel a bit of control return to my life.
But the support didn’t stop there. My occupational therapist helped me see that assistive devices weren’t something to fear or avoid—they were tools that could actually ease my day-to-day life. With their guidance, I learned to modify my approach to daily activities. For example, something as basic as dressing myself became more manageable with the use of different techniques and tools. I started choosing clothes that were easier to put on—think elastic waistbands, slip-on shoes, and soft fabrics that didn’t require dexterity to handle. These small changes added up to a big difference in my comfort and independence.
The therapist also showed me how to use special adaptive cutlery and knives, which reduced the strain on my hands while cooking or eating. It’s funny to think how something as simple as a well-designed spoon can change the way you approach meals, but these adaptations really do calm down joint pain in significant ways.
Finding the Right Support: Shoes, Canes, and More
One area that surprised me was how much attention was paid to my feet. I hadn’t given much thought to the importance of proper footwear, but the therapist quickly educated me on the need for supportive, comfortable shoes. The changes in my feet, caused by both arthritis and joint wear, made it crucial to have shoes that wouldn’t aggravate my condition. I was given specific recommendations, and switching to the right type of shoes made walking less painful and more stable.
My therapist also introduced me to the proper use of a cane, an important tool for many of us dealing with joint pain. I wasn’t resistant to using a cane, but I wanted to make sure I was using it correctly. Learning how to position the cane for maximum support was key—it took the pressure off my knees and hips, allowing me to move more confidently and with less discomfort. Plus, the right cane can make you feel more stable and safe, which is vital when you’re dealing with balance issues due to pain.
Physiotherapy: Learning to Move Again
While occupational therapy focused more on helping me manage daily tasks, physiotherapy was all about improving my overall mobility. It’s hard to explain how empowering it feels to regain some control over your movement when arthritis tries to take it away. My physiotherapist became an essential part of my journey, especially after my joint replacements.
One of the most crucial skills they taught me was the proper way to climb stairs after surgery, something that seems so simple, but can feel insurmountable when you’re recovering. I had to demonstrate I could safely climb up and down stairs before being released from the hospital post-surgery. This wasn’t just about physical capability—it was about building confidence in myself and my body again.
At various times, I was also introduced to different types of walkers. Each walker was tailored to my specific needs at the time, whether I was recovering from surgery or experiencing a particularly severe flare-up. Learning to navigate with a walker takes patience and trust in your body, but once you get the hang of it, it provides a sense of freedom.
The Importance of Simple, Everyday Movements
Sometimes, it’s the little things that trip you up. Physio didn’t just focus on major movements like walking or climbing stairs; it also covered everyday activities that can become difficult when your joints aren’t cooperating. I learned how to safely get into and out of the bathtub using a shower chair, which made showering less painful and safer. The idea of taking a shower might sound mundane to most, but when you live with arthritis, it can become a daunting task. Sitting on a shower chair while the water ran over me was not only easier on my joints, but it was also incredibly soothing.
Another valuable lesson was how to get into a car without twisting my hips or knees too much. Instead of stepping in one foot at a time, I learned to sit on the seat first and then swivel my legs inside. It’s a small adjustment, but it makes all the difference in avoiding unnecessary strain on your joints.
Physiotherapy also covered how to safely get out of bed, which may sound simple but is quite challenging after surgery or during a bad flare. Using a bed rail to help support myself made it easier and safer to maneuver in and out of bed, especially on mornings when stiffness was at its worst.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
One of the most important lessons I’ve taken from my physiotherapy sessions is that recovery and mobility are not races. The temptation to push yourself and go faster is always there, especially when you start feeling better. But through years of experience, I’ve learned that slow and steady really is the way to go. Rushing leads to mistakes, and those mistakes can result in setbacks, which are the last thing you want when you’re trying to regain your independence. Every step—whether literal or metaphorical—needs to be deliberate and mindful for the sake of both your balance and well-being.
Finding Joy in the Water: Hydrotherapy and Swimming
Out of all the therapies I’ve tried, swimming has been one of the most enjoyable and effective. I participated in arthritis swimming classes, which were tailored specifically for people like me. The beauty of being in the water is that your joints are protected. The water supports your body weight, reducing the impact on your joints while allowing you to exercise and move freely.
During these classes, we were given exercises that focused on improving joint mobility without causing stress or pain. For someone who deals with stiffness and discomfort daily, being in the water felt liberating. The buoyancy helped alleviate the weight of my body, allowing me to perform movements that I couldn’t do on land. The gentle resistance of the water also made it a perfect environment for strengthening muscles without the risk of injury.
Swimming isn’t just about physical relief, though. It’s also a great mental escape. When I’m in the water, the pain seems to fade into the background, and for a little while, I can just focus on the movement and the soothing sensation of floating. I highly recommend swimming to anyone with arthritis—it’s truly therapeutic on multiple levels.
Final Thoughts: Taking Ownership of Your Condition
What I’ve learned through my journey with occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and even hydrotherapy, is that taking ownership of your condition is key. It’s easy to feel powerless when your body doesn’t cooperate, but with the right tools, guidance, and mindset, you can regain a sense of control. The therapists I’ve worked with have taught me not just how to adapt, but how to thrive in the face of adversity.
Living with rheumatoid arthritis is challenging, no doubt, but it doesn’t mean life has to come to a standstill. With the help of these professionals and the various tools they’ve provided, I’ve learned how to maintain my independence and improve my quality of life. Every small victory—whether it’s climbing a set of stairs or simply getting dressed in the morning—adds up to a life that’s still full of meaning, purpose, and yes, even joy.