Lifeworks Occupational Therapy Blog

While it can be challenging to see the trials and tribulations of people with complex chronic health issues, hearing their pain recovery stories can be very rewarding. The patient’s road to recovery is often long and arduous, as most people have to juggle appointments, manage the uncertainties of treatment outcomes, and endure the symptoms of their conditions. This leaves little room for personal expression and growth. As occupational therapists, we see health as not just the absence of illness or injuries, but as an opportunity to do what matters to them. Since the birth of the profession, occupational therapy practitioners have understood the importance of using engaging activities as a means of recovery. A person might wish to regain her ability to dress herself independently, a goal she can use during “dress rehearsal” training sessions to improve her physical performance and self-confidence. Likewise, we encourage people to participate in art...

If you suffer frompersistent pain, you are enduring more than your fair share of obstacles. Inaddition to continual discomfort, they may also confront a lot offrustration.  Persistent pain takesa major toll on your ability to do the things that are important to you daily,such as cooking a meal, having a shower, looking after your family, going towork and going out with your friends. Left unaddressed, it can cause you tolose your independence, leaving you little or no alternative but to rely onothers to do the things you used to be able to do on your own. Medical researchersnow understand that various elements are simultaneously at play in someone withpersistent pain. These elements can be physical (e.g. your body, issues in yourtissues, infection, inflammation), mental (e.g. beliefs, fears, worries,anxieties) and environmental (e.g. heat/cold, pressure, chemical exposure,pathogens). Researchers have even discovered that our social and culturalenvironment can affect how we experienc...