Occupational therapy for rheumatism and osteoarthritis
Living with rheumatism or osteoarthritis often involves constantly striving to find the right balance. Some days things come easily, whilst other days are dominated by pain, stiffness or tiredness. As a result, activities that used to require little effort may now take more energy than you are used to.
You may find that cooking, household chores, getting dressed or walking longer distances are becoming more difficult. Work, hobbies or social activities may also be affected by painful joints or joints that are less mobile.
Occupational therapy helps you carry out everyday activities in a way that better suits your abilities and capacity. In doing so, we look not only at what is more difficult for you, but above all at how you can continue to carry out important activities as comfortably as possible.
What do we offer?
Occupational therapy for rheumatism and osteoarthritis focuses on maintaining independence, reducing strain on the joints and making it easier to carry out daily activities.
During an initial assessment, for example, we look at:
- which activities cause complaints or take a lot of energy;
- how pain, stiffness or tiredness affect your daily life;
- which movements or postures put strain on your joints;
- how activities can be organised or carried out differently;
- which aids or adaptations can provide support.
Depending on your situation, our support may include advice on joint protection, energy management, assistive devices, ergonomic adjustments, splints or practical solutions tailored to your daily life.
Who is this offer intended for?
Occupational therapy for rheumatism and osteoarthritis may be appropriate if you:
- experiences pain or stiffness during daily activities;
- notices that household chores are becoming more of a struggle;
- becomes tired more quickly during the day;
- has difficulty gripping, squeezing or performing fine motor tasks;
- want to find out how you can put less strain on your joints;
- if you have any questions about aids or adaptations;
- wish to continue living independently at home, at work or whilst pursuing your hobbies;
- want to continue doing what matters to you, despite your symptoms.
What can you expect?
An appointment with the occupational therapist begins with a discussion about your symptoms, daily activities and the things that are important for you to continue doing. In doing so, we look not only at your condition, but above all at how it affects your daily life.
Together, we’ll explore where strain arises and what solutions might help. This may involve looking at movements that place a lot of strain on your joints, how your activities are spread throughout the day, assistive devices, or ways to make tasks easier to perform.
In any case, you can count on:
- practical advice tailored to your daily activities;
- focus on pain, fatigue and resilience;
- support for joint protection and energy management;
- practical solutions that can be applied in real-world situations;
- advice on assistive devices, splints and adaptations where this adds value.
Would you like to find out more about registering, appointments or the treatment process? Then take a look at the page ‘What to expect during your visit’. Or read our frequently asked questions.
Collaboration with other healthcare providers
Rheumatism and osteoarthritis often affect several aspects of daily life. That is why, where appropriate, our occupational therapists work together with other healthcare professionals at Rondom.
Depending on your situation, this could be, for example, a physiotherapist, lifestyle coach, podiatrist, psychologist or other healthcare professional. By combining different types of care, we can provide support that is tailored to your symptoms, capabilities and personal goals.
Costs and reimbursement
Occupational therapy is covered by basic health insurance. You are entitled to 10 hours of occupational therapy per calendar year. Do you have supplementary insurance? If so, you may be entitled to additional treatment hours on top of these 10 hours. This varies depending on your health insurer and policy. You should therefore always read your policy terms and conditions carefully or contact your health insurer. That way, you’ll know exactly how many treatment sessions are covered for you. Check our price guide for our current rates. Would you like to know more about cover? Then click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have already compiled a number of answers to practical questions about our occupational therapy services for you. For example:
- Can occupational therapy help people to continue living independently at home for longer?
- Does the occupational therapist also look at safety in the home?
- Can occupational therapy also support informal carers?
- What aids can help with dementia?
- Is occupational therapy covered by insurance?
View all frequently asked questions about occupational therapy here.
Bekijk hier alle veelgestelde vragen over ergotherapie.
Contact
Would you like to know whether occupational therapy is suitable for your situation, or do you have any questions about the services we offer? We’d be happy to discuss this with you.
Together, we’ll look at what support best suits your needs.
- Please contact us via: Telephone: 088-1180541 (Monday to Friday, 08.00–17.00) Email: info@rondomergotherapeuten.nl
- Or book an appointment straight away via our appointment planner
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