Occupational Therapy may Improve Fibromyalgia Patients' Quality of Life

Fibromyalgia and other chronic illnesses are among the most frustrating diseases to deal with because of how hard it is to find any relief from them. Often, fibromyalgia is overlooked by medical professionals while patients try to figure out how to identify and explain the pain that has taken over many aspects of their lives. However, a recent study published in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy has some good news for fibromyalgia patients. A new occupational therapy intervention program has shown positive results, pointing to a possible breakthrough for people with fibromyalgia as well as many other chronic conditions.

According to the journal publication, the use of occupational therapy has been observed to offer some help for fibromyalgia patients. This type of intervention program has shown positive results, which could be a possible breakthrough for individuals suffering from fibromyalgia or any other pain condition. This amazing breakthrough is also called “Lifestyle Redesign,” and in it, patients were asked to participate in a guided occupational therapy session. By the end of the study, the patients stated the pain they experienced had improved after their occupational treatment sessions. They were also able to perform at higher levels both socially and physically. The overall results of the study concluded that, with this therapy, fibromyalgia patients experienced less exhaustion, gained an improvement in their overall health, and felt greater confidence in themselves and their ability to deal with inevitable instances of pain.

Earlier studies conducted were not able to find any solid evidence to prove concretely that occupational-based treatment could help individuals with chronic issues. Occupational therapy is essentially a form of rehabilitation wherein an occupational therapist spends their days working alongside individuals of various age groups who need a special form of treatment as well as assistance in leading the lives they want. This therapy is known to help patients who suffer from different ailments become independent and productive in their activities without needing any extra assistance. One should not confuse occupational therapy with physical therapy, since the latter mostly focuses on certain areas of the body and usually is not an appropriate treatment method for those suffering from fibromyalgia. An individual should check with their physician before going in for physical therapy.

Occupational therapy offers its patients a wide range of tools to help them live their lives as normally as possible. This type of therapy assists fibromyalgia patients in finding relief from the pain through various relaxation and adaptive techniques. It is also beneficial for pain management and can provide tips on communication and problem-solving methods. Occupational therapy can be of real benefit since, instead of focusing on getting at the actual source of the pain and curing it, the main idea is first to accept the obstacles that lie ahead, and then find various strategies to deal with them. Many occupational therapists have been helping individuals solve their chronic illness unintentionally. This information is great news for those suffering from chronic ailments, as it can help such patients live their lives without a dependency on painkillers.