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Rheumatology Occupational Therapy

Within the rheumatology service in Worcestershire, we have a dedicated team of specialist Occupational Therapists who run outpatient clinics at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, Kidderminster General Hospital and the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch so our rheumatology patients can be seen as locally to home as possible.

Occupational therapists provide specialised assessment, treatment and practical support to help individuals in maintaining or regaining functional ability, independence and confidence in the activities that are important to them. 

Who do we see?

• People who are newly diagnosed with a rheumatological condition or those in the early stages of their condition.
• People with established conditions who require re-assessment due to changes in their situation e.g. progression of their condition, or changes in their functional abilities or social situation.
• People who are experiencing difficulties with their activities of daily living including personal care, domestic tasks, work tasks or leisure activities.
• People who require a hand assessment for specific problems.

What services do we provide?

• Functional assessments to identify difficulties that people with rheumatological conditions may experience with activities of daily living, including personal care, domestic activities, work and leisure.
• Advice regarding activity modification to help people to maintain or regain independence with their daily living activities. This may include advice about adapting techniques, using tools or equipment, or adapting environments.
• Comprehensive hand assessments and hand therapy for those experiencing problems with hand function.
• Splinting using prefabricated splints and/or bespoke thermoplastic splints to provide support to affected joints to assist with symptom relief and to improve hand function.
• Education and advice about self-management strategies including:
  
  • Protecting joints during activities of daily living
  • managing fatigue
  • Sleep hygiene
  • Stress management and relaxation techniques
• Advice about work based activities.
• Onward referrals or signposting to other services as appropriate, e.g. referring to Community Occupational Therapy services if an assessment of the home environment is required.
• For patients with a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia Syndrome we run a Self-Management Programme which aims to provide patients with the opportunity to learn about strategies they can use in their daily life to better manage their long term condition. It is a six-week programme which is run in conjunction with the rheumatology physiotherapy service who provide a graded exercise programme usually in the hydrotherapy pool.
  The self-management strategies covered in the programme include:
  
  • Activity management
  • Goal setting
  • Diet
  • Sleep hygiene
  • Stress management
  • Mindfulness
  • Setback planning
  • Assertive communication
  • Cognition
  • Going forward

Referral Criteria

We accept referrals for Occupational Therapy from GPs, Consultants and all members of the Rheumatology team.

Appointments

Appointments are available daily Monday to Friday and each week one late clinic is available for out of hours appointments.

Additional Information

The Occupational Therapy team regularly participate in research trials and at present we are involved in the WorkWell trial with the University of Salford which is testing work advice for patients with arthritis. If you are interested in finding out more information regarding this research please do not hesitate to contact us.

Contact us