Lifeworks Occupational Therapy Blog

Sleep and mindfulness are deeply intertwined. Sleep is essential for our physical, emotional, and cognitive health. We all know how important sleep is. Without it, we feel slow, sluggish, and unproductive. On the contrary, a restful night of sleep leaves us feeling refreshed and energised. But how does mindfulness fit into our sleep routine, and how can it enhance our sleep? Mindfulness is the practice of being present and aware of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. Based on ancient principles from Buddhism and Taoism, mindfulness was introduced to the world of Western psychology by American professor John Kabat-Zinn in the 1990s. When we practice mindfulness, we are more likely to be less reactive and more accepting of our experiences. We learn to observe our thoughts rather than engage in them. It is a way of training our minds to focus and steady our attention. Several scientific studies have shown that mindfulness practices improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia. So, the...

May is Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) Awareness Month. Living with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) can present numerous challenges in daily life. EDS is a group of genetic connective tissue disorders that affect collagen, causing joint hypermobility, skin fragility, and other symptoms. While there is no cure for EDS, occupational therapy (OT) can play a crucial role in managing the condition and improving the quality of life for individuals with EDS. Occupational therapy can help those with EDS lead more independent and fulfilling lives in the following ways: Comprehensive Assessment and Treatment Planning Occupational therapists are skilled in assessing the unique needs and abilities of individuals with EDS. They work closely with patients to conduct a thorough evaluation of their functional limitations, pain levels, joint stability, and overall well-being. Through this assessment process, therapists gain valuable insights into the specific challenges faced by each individual, enabling the...

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, tenderness, fatigue, cognitive difficulties, sleep disturbances, mood disorders, and limitations in physical functioning. On the 12th of May, Fibromyalgia Awareness Day is observed to shed light on this often misunderstood and underdiagnosed condition. An important aspect of managing Fibromyalgia that often goes unnoticed is the role of Occupational Therapy (OT). Occupational therapists play a crucial part in the comprehensive care approach for individuals living with Fibromyalgia. They help individuals regain control over their lives by addressing the functional challenges presented by the disorder. Through a holistic and personalised approach, occupational therapists empower people with Fibromyalgia to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Activity Modification One of the primary interventions occupational therapists provide is acti...

LWOT Pain Care OT Referral Guide (PDF) Download

LWOT Mental Health OT Referral Guide (PDF) Download

​​As a primary care physician, you want to provide the best care for your patients, especially those struggling with chronic pain. One important tool in your arsenal for pain management is occupational therapy (OT). However, many primary care physicians are not aware of the full potential of OT in pain management. Here are some tips for understanding the role of OT and referring your patients to the appropriate services. What is Occupational Therapy? OT is a type of therapy that helps people develop or regain skills necessary for daily life. Occupational therapists (OTs) work with patients to improve their ability to perform daily tasks, such as dressing, cooking, and cleaning. In the context of pain management, OT can help patients learn to manage pain and reduce its impact on daily life. How Can OT Help with Pain Management? OT can help patients with chronic pain in several ways. OTs can provide pain education and teach patients about relaxation techniques and other coping strategies...

Lifeworks OT values our innovative approach when it comes to solving problems and overcoming barriers. The team at Lifeworks OT are constantly striving to incorporate and leverage the advancements in technology to provide the best possible care and outcomes to our clients. Occupational Therapists can draw upon a person’s values and beliefs, their engagement in activity, their social network, or even the virtual environments in which so many of our lives unfold. Lifeworks OT’s use of advancements in technology allows us to provide a unique and innovative service delivery for our clients. Virtual reality is an emerging technology that allows an individual to be completely immersed in a virtual environment. Virtual reality benefits clients through removing a lot of the barriers for them to engage in activities that they find meaningful, creates an escape from their reality to assist psychosocial symptom management, can provide a novel and engaging way to incorporate movement into the...