Persistent hand pain despite adequate immunosuppression? The distinct value of occupational therapy in the era of biologics

This article describes the meaningful role of occupational therapy and assistive devices in improving the outcomes for patients with inflammatory arthritis. We describe orthoses, assistive devices and adjunctive therapies utilized in inflammatory arthritis. We provide evidence supporting joint protection and occupational therapy as ways to help with these diseases. A multidisciplinary approach including the entire healthcare provider team, including occupational therapists, is essential to providing individualized treatment focusing on maximizing mobility in each patient's daily routine. Summary Although larger studies are needed, assessment by hand-certified occupational therapists for instruction in joint protection techniques, assistive devices and customized orthoses and devices are important adjuncts to pharmacologic management in inflammatory arthritis.
Source: Current Opinion in Rheumatology - Category: Rheumatology Tags: CLINICAL THERAPEUTICS AND HEMATOLOGIC COMPLICATIONS: Edited by W. Joseph McCune Source Type: research