If you’ve been feeling unwell lately, it’s not your imagination. According to the National Occupational Employment and Wages Survey (NOES), there has been a 20 percent increase in workers that have reported being injured on the job in the past year.
This increase isn’t just restricted to blue-collar jobs either; white-collar workers are seeing an increase as well. Occupational therapy is a specialized field that helps people with injuries return to their original occupations or improve their current one. If you think you may need help, be sure to inquire about occupational therapy services. Here are five signs that you might benefit from such assistance:
You Are Having Trouble Performing Basic Tasks
If you find it difficult to do basic tasks such as dressing yourself, bathing, or getting in and out of bed, you may need help from an occupational therapist. These therapists can help you regain the ability to perform these activities on your own. They may also recommend ways to modify your environment so that you can live more comfortably.
You Have Difficulty With Balance Or Coordination
You may need occupational therapy assistance if you have difficulty with balance or coordination. Occupational therapists can help you learn new ways to compensate for your impairment, improve your efficiency and function, and increase your independence.
If you are experiencing problems with balance or coordination, please speak to a therapist about what steps may be necessary to improve your condition.
Some common signs that you might need occupational therapy assistance include:
- Difficulty standing or walking for an extended period of time.
- Frequent falls.
- Extremely slow reflexes.
- Problems maintaining grip strength.
You Experience Pain Or Discomfort In Specific Joints Or Areas Of The Body
If you experience pain or discomfort in specific joints or areas of the body, it may be time to see an occupational therapist. Some common signs that you may need assistance include:
- Moderating your activity levels to avoid overexertion or overuse.
- Experiencing chronic pain or stiffness in a particular joint.
- Difficulty moving your extremities due to weakness or paralysis.
You Find It Difficult To Perform Daily Activities
- You find it difficult to perform daily activities, even with assistance.
- Difficulty initiating or sustaining activities.
- Problems with balance, coordination, and mobility.
- Trouble swallowing or speaking.
- Poor concentration and productivity.
- Withdrawal from activities due to discomfort or pain.
You Find It Difficult To Think Clearly Or Focus
If you find it difficult pediatric occupational therapy therapist, to think clearly or focus, you may need help from an occupational therapist. This type of therapist can help you deal with issues such as:
- Difficulty staying on task.
- Poor communication and organization skills.
- Difficulty moving around your work area.
You Have Lost Interest In Activities You Used To Enjoy
If you've lost interest in activities you used to enjoy, it might be time to consult with an occupational therapist. Occupational therapists can help individuals with physical or cognitive disabilities regain their prior level of function and independence.
They may recommend adjustments to your home or work environment, as well as specialized therapies and equipment. If you're experiencing difficulty participating in daily activities, it's important to get the help you need before it becomes more difficult to recover.
There Is A History Of Injuries Or Surgeries That Affected Your Ability To Work
If you've had any recent surgeries or injuries that affect your ability to work, it's important to talk to your doctor. There is a history of injuries or surgeries that affected your ability to work that can be indicative of another condition, and occupational therapy can help you identify and manage that condition.
Some common conditions that may lead to impaired function include:
- Musculoskeletal disorders: involve damage or dysfunction of the muscles and tendons. Examples include carpal tunnel syndrome, multiple sclerosis, and arthritis. Occupational therapy can help with mobility and reducing pain and inflammation.
- Neurological conditions: These conditions involve problems with the brain or spinal cord. For example, stroke survivors may experience difficulty with movement, balance, vision, speech, or swallowing. Occupational therapy can help these individuals regain their daily activities as well as improve their quality of life by improving communication and coordination skills.
- Chronic pain: Many people experience chronic pain due to injury or other causes long after the original event has occurred. Occupational therapy can provide relief from this type of pain through various techniques such as physical therapies (such as stretching), cognitive-behavioral therapies (which focus on changing thinking patterns that might contribute to chronic pain), and medication management programs (which prescribe medications in a way that takes into account individual preferences).
Conclusion
If you've been feeling like you're struggling to get your work done and you're not sure why, it might be time to see an occupational therapist for occupational therapy treatment. Here are some top signs that you need their help:
- You've been experiencing physical symptoms that don't seem to improve with rest or self-care.
- You find it hard to complete tasks that used to be easy for you.
- You feel overwhelmed or stressed most of the time, even when nothing is going on in your life.
- You're having difficulty functioning at home and/or at work because of your condition.
