Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapists are trained in helping both adults and children with a broad range of physical, developmental, and psychological conditions. Practitioners also help clients in wellness techniques that may prevent injury and disease.
With the help of occupational therapy, people with chronic pain can learn to manage the physical and psychological effects and lead active and productive lives. Many people with chronic pain already have received various treatments. What many have not yet learned is how management of daily activities and lifestyle can contribute to successful, long-term coping with pain.

An occupational therapist can:

• Identify specific activities or behaviours that aggravate pain and suggest alternatives.
  
  
• Teach methods for decreasing the frequency and duration of painful episodes.
  
  
• Implement therapy interventions that may decrease dependence on or use of pain medications.
  
  
• Facilitate the development of better function for daily activities at work and home.
  
  
• Collaborate with the client's team of health care professionals, such as Physicians, Physical Therapists, Psychiatrists, and Psychologists, to determine the best course of treatment and intervention.
  
  
• Recommend and teach the client how to use adaptive equipment to decrease pain while performing tasks such as reaching, dressing, bathing, and perform household chores.