Fibromyalgia causes chronic pain and fatigue that can limit your working and home life. Simple daily activities can be a struggle when fibromyalgia symptoms are at their worst. If fibromyalgia is making it difficult for you to carry out daily tasks and activities, talk with your doctor about going to an occupational therapist to help you with lifestyle changes that will make living with the condition easier.
What Is an Occupational Therapist?
An occupational therapist is a therapist trained in combining physical and mental aspects into a rehabilitation program. They help people with various disabilities and illnesses learn to function better while performing daily activities at home and at work. People with chronic pain, such as fibromyalgia patients, benefit from seeing an occupational therapist to learn manage their pain so that it interferes less with work and household responsibilities and activities.
What Does an Occupational Therapist Do?
When you visit your occupational therapist for the first time, she will ask you several questions about your health and lifestyle. Be prepared to discuss your pain levels, any other health issues you have, medications you are taking, how your home is laid out, what you do for work and how well you can perform daily tasks, such as cooking and cleaning.
Some occupational therapists will accompany you to your home or workplace to observe your daily routine. Do not be afraid to ask questions or bring up topics of concern that your therapist does not raise. Your therapist will also complete a physical examination to determine your pain levels with certain movements and your range of motion.
After your initial assessment, you and your therapist will begin working on a plan to manage your fibromyalgia pain and modify your daily activities so that you can function better. Discuss any particular areas of concern with your therapist, such as climbing stairs, shopping or any other activities you find difficult to manage. Your occupational therapist will work with you to devise a plan of action to decrease your pain and promote relaxation.
Your therapist can show you gentle stretching exercises you can do at home to decrease your pain levels and create an exercise plan to keep you healthy and mobile. If you work in an office setting, talk with your therapist about proper ergonomics to reduce muscle strain and fatigue. Work with your therapist on relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or meditation, to help reduce stress and decrease fibromyalgia pain.
If you have trouble getting around, discuss mobility options, such as a scooter or walker, with your occupational therapist so he can help you decide on which option would be best for your individual situation.
Occupational therapy treatment for fibromyalgia patients often continues for several weeks or months. Keep your therapist informed of any changes throughout your course of treatment so that he can make any necessary adjustments.
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