If the pain lasts for more than three months and extends beyond the expected healing period, it may be serious and requires proper management. It’s said that ongoing discomfort because of severe pain leads to many other problems, and people—especially adults—feel trapped in a cycle of frustration and isolation.
There are many ways to manage this pain condition. But, if you are looking for a holistic approach, get occupational therapy for adults. It can help empower you to regain control over your life. The occupational therapists focus on the symptoms of pain and try to eliminate them.
In this post, we will discuss how occupational therapy can help adults with pain management.
Educates about pain management
Occupational therapists educate adults about pain and its effects on their body and mind. The knowledge about the nervous system and strategies to rewire the sensitivity of the nerves give them a little control. Occupational therapists explain relationships between physical pain, mental stress, and daily activities and teach skills to manage them all effectively.
Customizes activity modification
With pain, doing even simple daily tasks becomes challenging. Occupational therapy for the elderly helps them to adapt to these tasks so that there is no strain on painful areas. If adapting them seems difficult, occupational therapists define alternative methods or tools.
These methods or tools help the elderly participate more effectively in daily routines without increasing pain.
Teaches energy conservation and pacing techniques
Adults with pain often experience fatigue; and as a result, they struggle to manage energy levels. So, occupational therapists teach energy conservation and pacing techniques. These techniques help people to stay active without being exhausted. Also, the strategies avoid overexertion and reduce the chances of a pain flare-up. The best part is that the therapy lets adults build tolerance and capacity over time with graded exposure.
Teaches mindfulness and relaxation practices
Chronic pain often comes with lots of stress. Sometimes, they together worsen the situation. That’s why occupational therapists incorporate mindfulness techniques into therapy sessions to manage stress. The techniques include deep breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation that help people become less reactive to pain and have more control over their response.
Recommends adaptive equipment and ergonomics
When the body is physically stressed, it’s painful. To reduce physical strain, occupational therapists recommend adaptive equipment and ergonomics. They make small changes in the home and work environment and recommend tools that are easy to use. They make an effective setup, minimizing stress on joints and muscles.
Provides mental and emotional support
Adults suffering from pain are often frustrated and depressed. Occupational therapists create a happy and safe space to let adults discuss these feelings and help them identify coping mechanisms. By managing the emotional side of chronic pain, occupational therapists support adults in maintaining wellness and physical well-being.
Come to A Plus Care LA
Elders often face mobility issues due to severe pain. They don’t feel like traveling to the clinic for the therapy. To overcome this problem and provide relief to the elderly, A Plus Care LA provides in-home occupational therapy in Los Angeles, California.
Our therapists visit patients’ homes for therapy and help them recover and stay independent.
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