Occupational Therapy in Rheumatology

What is Rheumatology?

Rheumatology is the part of Health Care that helps people with muscle, joint and bone issues. These can be caused by problems with the immune system, inflammation, infection or deterioration. Soft tissues, joints, bones cartilage, tendons, ligaments and muscles can all be affected.

The most common conditions seen in Rheumatology are Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis.

What do Rheumatology Occupational Therapists do?

The aim of Occupational Therapy in Rheumatology is to work alongside people to help them manage their daily activities whether that is for work, home, personal care or leisure. We can help you adapt to changes in your life, to prevent loss of function and improve or maintain your wellbeing.

We aim to support you in maintaining or improving your hand function through joint care advice, exercise and splinting.

We can also help you find better ways of doing things that reduce any symptoms and prevent further injury or disability and support you in managing your fatigue, pain and mood.

Our Occupational Therapists have produced a series of videos with tips and principles about how to manage everyday tasks such as chopping vegetables and opening jars, while protecting your joints.

Click on the buttons below to access these.