Occupational Therapy Helps Osteoarthritis Patients Lead Active Lives

Regular physical activity and exercise is encouraged as part of a healthy lifestyle. If you have osteoarthritis, regular exercise can help preserve your joints by maintaining or improving range of motion and managing osteoarthritis symptoms. Most osteoarthritis patients would like to be active, but too often something gets in the way -- whether it's pain, fatigue, or actual barriers in people's homes or communities. According to researchers from the University of Michigan Health System, occupational therapy can break down those barriers and promote wellness in people with hip and knee osteoarthritis -- and "activity strategy training" is the key.

Activity strategy training is a structured rehabilitation program taught by occupational therapists. The focus of the program is on joint protection, proper body mechanics, pacing your activities, and identifying and finding solutions to barriers in your environment that interfere with activities. Learn more about how you can benefit from occupational therapy in Occupational Therapy Helps OA Patients Lead Active Lives.

Related Resources:

• Make Life Easier With Occupational Therapy
• Arthritis Aids Make Living With Arthritis Easier
• Joint Protection Advice for People With Osteoarthritis
• Proper Body Mechanics Important for People With Arthritis
• Test Yourself: Do You Use Joint Protection Techniques?

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• Join Us in Our Osteoarthritis Forum / Message Board

_{Photo by Michael Krinke (iStockphoto)}