Occupational Therapy For Ankylosing Spondylitis

Are the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis, such as pain, fatgue and stiffness, making everyday activities more challenging? You should get the professional services of an occupational therapist through occupational medicine as soon as possible!

With an occupational therapist working toward finding effective solutions for your health issues, you will be able to perform daily activities in a more effective and efficient manner, as well as in a safer, faster and easier way. Your quality of life will improve, too, a benefit that makes your investments in time, energy and money well worth it.

When meeting with an occupational therapist from any of the Healthpointe clinics, such as the one in Irwindale, which is conveniently accessible from Duarte, Azusa, West Covina, Vincent, and Mayflower Village, keep in mind that your mutual goal is a personalized program. The first step is the assessment phase, wherein the occupational therapist will assess the type, severity, frequency, duration, and triggers of your pain.

You must keep a journal wherein you can write down the details of your symptoms. Be sure to write down even small details as it is in the small details that the right balance of conventional and alternative therapies can be made not only by your occupational therapist but also by your doctor.

Your occupational therapist will likely suggest the following measures to improve your quality of life by reducing the frequency, intensity and duration of your pain as caused by ankylosing spondylitis:

• Perform your most important tasks in the morning since you are more energized. Your fatigue will become more apparent in the afternoon but since you have already finished with your important tasks, you will feel more productive.
• Use ergonomic furniture that will promote the adoption of proper body posture especially when at work.
• Rearrange the furniture so that you can adopt better body posture and enjoy more comfort. This can mean changing the position of your sofa in relation to the television.
• Keep moving – or at least, take regular breaks from your work and start moving. Sitting for prolonged periods puts undue pressure on the spine, which worsens symptoms. Get up every 20-30 minutes, stretch and walk, and just relax your mind.
• Use tools that will make the work easier, such as a small rolling cart, bath brushes, and grabbers.

And be sure to ask for help for tasks that will put your joints under undue pressure. This is a sure way to ensure that your body can recover from your injury.

Come to any of the Healthpointe clinics, such as the one at La Mirada, which is accessible for patients from Whittier, La Habra, Norwalk, Cerritos, Buena Park, and Santa Fe Springs, for more information about occupational therapy.

About Healthpointe:

Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including La Mirada, which is conveniently located by Whittier, La Habra, Norwalk, Cerritos, Buena Park, and Santa Fe Springs. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit Healthpointe.net.