Lifeworks Occupational Therapy Blog

In this National Pain Week, we would like to shine a light on a frequently overlooked but incredibly effective pain management strategy – Occupational Therapy (OT). Occupational Therapists (OTs) offer a unique approach to managing chronic pain, one that is especially relevant for complex pain conditions such as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. Understanding Chronic Pain in Australia Australia, like many nations, is grappling with chronic pain. As per the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, almost 3.24 million Australians reported living with chronic pain in 2021. Chronic pain can be incredibly debilitating, reducing a person’s quality of life and impacting their ability to engage in daily activities. The Unique Role of Occupational Therapists While physiotherapists help improve your physical function, and psychologists work on the mental-emotional aspects of your pain, occupational therapists bridge the gap, helping you navigate your day-to-day life w...

Sleep problems are intimately connected to PTSD, with insomnia and nightmares being common symptoms experienced by individuals with the disorder. 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. Research indicates that sleep problems may precede the development of PTSD or arise as a consequence of the disorder itself [1]. Among those who experience a traumatic event, individuals with significant sleep problems are more likely to develop PTSD in the future. Sleep disturbances in PTSD interfere with the brain’s ability to process memories and emotions, thereby impeding the recovery process after a traumatic event. Recognising the significance of sleep in PTSD recovery, it is crucial to implement strategies that promote better sleep hygiene and address sleep-related difficulties. Occupationa...

Understanding and respecting the cultural values and practices of Australian Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders is essential for providing effective care. At Lifeworks OT, we believe in promoting cultural competency to foster trust, build strong therapeutic relationships, and facilitate a recovery focused, person centered practice. Here are some of the strategies we incorporate in practice: Building Trust and Collaboration: We acknowledge and respect traditional healing practices, beliefs, and customs. We seek to collaborate with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health services to develop culturally appropriate intervention plans. We would like to involve and invite family members and community leaders for support to improve intervention outcomes. Receiving and actioning feedback from services and our clients is integral to this collaborative process.  Communication and Engagement: We practice active listening, use plain language, and respect culturally appropriate termin...

Many of us use the word “ support ” frequently, both in our professional and personal lives. This month OT’s at LIfeworks have been discussing the many facets of support – be they emotional, practical, mental. spiritual, financial or a combination of some/ all of these. Occupational Therapists are trained to “enable” the clients they see, because of their flexible approach, skills in assessment and practical intervention –  and the type of support offered. Too little support leads to overwhelm -with life’s stressors, functional limitations and social isolation. Too much support and a lack of opportunity for growth or development of resilience results. For some clients (and family/friends) asking for support is a hurdle to overcome. Some of us believe it is a sign of weakness or failure. As an OT we see asking for support as a way of saying “I am important enough to warrant help”, which is a great place to start therapy because there is an element of self respect/love a...

The winter season can influence sleep patterns and overall sleep quality. Factors such as decreased sunlight exposure, changes in temperature, and disruptions to daily routines can affect sleep-wake cycles. Reduced sunlight exposure during winter months can impact the regulation of melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep [ 3 ]. These changes in the circadian rhythm can lead to difficulties falling asleep or excessive sleepiness. 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. Occupational Therapy (OT) plays a valuable role in addressing sleep problems and seasonal changes by employing various interventions and strategies to improve sleep quality and overall well-being. Here is a brief explanation of the role of Occupational Therapy in addressing sleep and the ways in which winter can impact ...

As a primary care physician, you are well aware of the increasing prevalence of mental health conditions within our community. One tool in management of mental health conditions is occupational therapy (OT). Many primary care physicians are not aware of the full potential of OT in mental health care. For example, did you know that OTs are able to see patients under Medicare’s Better Access to Mental Health (BAMH) Scheme? Here are some tips for understanding the role of OT and referring your patients to 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 self-care, work, home management, accessing the community, and engaging in leisure and social activities. In the context of mental health, OT can help patients to learn the skills to manage their mental health conditions, so they can partici...

The activities that shape our everyday lives often present us with invaluable opportunities for introspection, rejuvenation, and self-care. One such activity that can profoundly impact our wellbeing is the establishment of a morning routine. A morning routine is beneficial for everyone, regardless of their season in life, current role/s, or future ambitions. Setting intention for the day ahead can help us to lay a strong foundation for our mental health and overall sense of balance.  In a world that can often feel chaotic and overwhelming, or out of our control, the ritual of a morning routine offers us of structure and predictability. By carving out dedicated time each morning for self-care and introspection, we create a safe space where we can find solace, comfort, and a sense of control (and no, it doesn’t mean you have to wake up early, although you can choose that if it works for you!) For me, my morning routine involves waking around 6am, sitting quietly with a cup of tea, an...