Rheumatology
Occupational Therapy

Manchester OT have experience in treating people with rheumatological conditions, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Carpel Tunnel Syndrome etc.

Our rheumatology services include:

Assessment
Joint Protection Education
Energy Conservation
Splints
Relaxation, Pain and Stress Management
Seating Assessment
Functional Assessment
Provision of Daily Living Equipment
Assessment of Major Home Adaptations
Leisure and Hobbies

Assessment

Treatment begins with a detailed initial assessment, which look at both the physical and psychological effects that the condition may have. Your occupational therapist will discuss and assess how you are managing with functional activities and how it is affecting your day-to-day life. From this assessment a treatment plan is devised and agreed.
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Joint Protection Education

The aims of joint protection are to reduce pain, inflammation and internal and external joint stresses in order to preserve the structure of the joints and reduce the risk of deformities.

Your occupational therapist will provide you with education and practical advice which is personalised to you and your lifestyle with regards to joint protection.
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Energy Conservation

One of the major symptoms of rheumatological conditions is fatigue. The occupational therapist will provide you with energy conservation advice to help you reduce your fatigue and enable you to save energy whilst carrying out everyday tasks, to help you remain as independent as possible.
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Splints

Splints can be used to reduce pain and stress in a joint and reduce inflammation. The occupational therapists at Manchester OT can fabricate specialised splints and prescribe ready made splints. The most common splints used for rheumatological conditions are:

Resting splints - for use at night time or during a flare up of arthritis. These support the joint and allow it to rest reducing pain and inflammation
Wrist supports - these are worn during the day and support the wrist joint during activity, which reduces pain
Thumb supports - these support the carpometacarpal joints of the thumb during activity to reduce pain

Your occupational therapist will assess if a splint is needed and, if so, advise you on the best splint for your problem. They can then continue to monitor the splint and provide advice and instructions on its use.
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Relaxation, Pain and Stress Management

Pain is one of the main symptoms that can affect a person with a rheumatological condition and it can often lead to psychological symptoms such as feelings of tension and depression.

The occupational therapists at Manchester OT can conduct one to one relaxation sessions to try and help you manage these symptoms, for example, guided imagery and progressive relaxation methods. They can also provide you with personalised coping strategies and problem solving techniques.
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Seating Assessment

Our occupational therapists can assess your current seating and advise whether it is suitable for you and advice regarding adjustments or recommendations for alternative seating or cushions to aid your comfort, safety and skin integrity.
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Functional Assessment

The occupational therapists at Manchester OT can complete various assessments on how you manage your activities of daily living and provide you with advice and information to try and regain and maintain your independence and improve your quality of life as well as the lives of people looking after you.
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Provision of Daily Living Equipment

Our occupational therapists can undertake an assessment of you in your home environment and prescribe and fit any pieces of equipment to promote your independence within your home and make everyday tasks easier.
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Assessment of Major Home Adaptations

Assessment and advice can be given to consider major home adaptations, if required e.g. stairlifts, walk-in showers, through floor lifts, ramps etc.
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Leisure and Hobbies

As occupational therapists we always complete a holistic, person centred assessment, which considers all aspects of a person’s life and how this has been affected. Therefore, as part of our assessment, the occupational therapists at Manchester OT will consider your leisure and hobby interests and how your condition has affected your ability to pursue these and will attempt to help you overcome any barriers to participating in these activities.
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Please contact us or call 0161 883 0088 to find out how we can help.