Do you notice your muscles feeling painful or achy throughout the day? Are you recovering from a recent injury or surgical procedure? Are you living with a chronic condition that causes constant discomfort? Whatever the case may be, occupational therapy can help improve your health. While there are many benefits to occupational therapy, below are some of the top 6 ways occupational therapy can improve your quality of life:
1. Occupational therapy can help you avoid injuries.
Occupational therapy helps you recover quickly from injuries, but what most people don’t know is that it can actually help in avoiding injury altogether. Your occupational therapist can teach you several different exercises you can do at home and before you engage in physical activity in order to help prevent injury. If you’re recovering from a surgical procedure, your occupational therapist can also help you learn to walk and move in new ways that will help you stay active while reducing the chance of falls and injury during your recovery.
2. Occupational therapy can help increase your physical activity.
Even if you’re already in good health and involved in a variety of activities, occupational therapy can still be beneficial to you. Your occupational therapist can help you enhance your performance and give you advice on certain forms and techniques. If you are looking to get back into the activities you love, your occupational therapist can help you achieve that. You will work together to create a treatment plan that will help you reach your goals, and he or she will assist you in increasing your strength, endurance, and flexibility.
3. Occupational therapy can speed up your recovery time.
If you’ve already had surgery, or if you have suffered from an injury, an occupational therapy program can be created to assist in your recovery. Your occupational therapist will put together a rehabilitation program that specifically addresses your needs, focusing on helping you recover as quickly as possible. This may include strength and range of motion exercises, in addition to any specialized treatments that your occupational therapist deems fit.
4. Occupational therapy can decrease your probability of surgical intervention.
With surgery, you always run the risk of blood clots, infection, and a lengthy recovery time. In many cases, occupational therapy can correct a problem without the need for surgery at all. Sprains, strains, dislocations, tendonitis, bursitis, arthritis, and acute/chronic pain are just a few of the many ailments that an occupational therapist can help you with. Occupational therapy works in helping your body speed up its natural healing process, and while surgery is sometimes unavoidable, it’s almost always better to eliminate the need for an invasive procedure if the problem can be treated with occupational therapy.
5. Occupational therapy can improve your flexibility.
Many occupational therapy treatment programs are aimed at increasing your muscle and joint flexibility. Your occupational therapist can help you work through a variety of stretching techniques, and he or she may also use heat therapy to loosen tight muscles and tendons. Your occupational therapist may also suggest massage or breathing techniques to increase relaxation and flexibility.
6. Occupational therapy can improve your balance.
Balance typically decreases with age as bones start to become more brittle, and there are also health conditions that could affect your balance. Improving your balance can help you avoid trips and falls that could potentially lead to a serious injury. Additionally, it can improve your ability to engage in and enjoy more strenuous activities that you may not have been able to do in the past. An occupational therapist can provide you with several different types of exercises to improve your balance, whether you’re standing, walking, or engaging in an exercise regimen.
Improve your health with occupational therapy today:
Whether you are looking for relief, looking to prevent an injury, or simply looking to improve your physical function, occupational therapy is here for you. Your occupational therapist will work closely with you, in order to help you reach your health and fitness goals. If you’re ready to get started on the path toward improved health, contact Hand In Hand Rehab today!
