Home > Health Library > Occupational Therapy for People With Chronic Disease
The goal of occupational therapy is to help people live as
independently as possible.
Occupational therapists use work, self-care, and
recreational activities to increase the flexibility and independent function of
people who have
rheumatoid arthritis and other long-lasting
conditions. This therapy can include:
Occupational therapists help people who have arthritis or other
chronic pain conditions to protect their joints and conserve energy. They also help these people expand their range of motion and strength. This helps maintain joint
function. For example, occupational therapists can teach techniques to avoid
applying excessive force on non–weight-bearing joints. And they can teach you how to avoid unnecessary
impacts on weight-bearing joints.
Current as of:
June 4, 2012
Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & Nancy Ann Shadick, MD, MPH - Internal Medicine, Rheumatology
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