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A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Johannesburg, ZA

I would like to visit an OT and undergo an assessment, but I am not sure whether it is worthwhile?

July 3, 2017
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Answer Summary

Members overwhelmingly recommended seeing an occupational therapist for rheumatoid arthritis management, with many sharing that OTs helped... Read more

Members overwhelmingly recommended seeing an occupational therapist for rheumatoid arthritis management, with many sharing that OTs helped them break down overwhelming household tasks like dishes, laundry, and vacuuming into smaller, more manageable steps with built-in rest breaks. Several members described practical benefits including learning pacing techniques, receiving equipment recommendations for home and car modifications, and regaining the ability to do activities previously abandoned as too difficult, with one member reporting an increase from 6 to 23 working hours per week after OT sessions. A recurring theme was that OTs empower individuals to understand their own bodies, make strategic adjustments to daily routines, and reclaim quality of life rather than simply pushing through pain until burnout.

A MyFibroTeam Member

I am an Ot so probably biased. Our main role is to support people to get some quality back to their lives and that would be in managing their symptoms through provision of equipment or pacing. We look at assisting people to come up with their own answers and understand their stories.

I guess being an Ot helps me to look at my daily activities and make changes where necessary. Activity planning is a big part of it.

July 3, 2017
A MyFibroTeam Member

I went to a Therapist that taught me some gentle exercises that help when I am in pain.

July 4, 2017
A MyFibroTeam Member

Really pleased to hear that ots are helping people and making a difference. A real encouragement.

July 4, 2017
A MyFibroTeam Member

That's what I do and if I can't do anything then I don't. Before I used to scrub until I couldn't walk but not anymore

July 4, 2017
A MyFibroTeam Member

An important thing my OT taught me was how to pace myself!
E.g. doing dishes - wash the glasses then take a break, then the plates etc then a break And so on.
How to change tasks, so that I could do them again.I realised that quite a few chores and tasks I had put in the too hard basket but when we broke the chore down to more manageable steps, with time I have been able to do lots of them again. Plus she can assess your house to see if there is equipment you may find helpful. She even assessed me sitting in my car and told me how I could adjust things/add things to the seat to help my pain while driving.
I would definitely recommend seeing one!!!

July 3, 2017

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