Maximizing Pain Relief: The Importance of Combining Occupational Therapy with Chiropractic Care

Chronic back and joint pain can be debilitating. It can affect your ability to perform even the simplest of daily tasks. If you're dealing with this type of pain, you've likely considered various types of therapy and treatments to help relieve your symptoms. Chiropractic care is a popular choice for many people, but did you know that combining chiropractic care with occupational therapy can lead to even better outcomes? In this blog post, we'll explore why it's important to include occupational therapy with chiropractic care when dealing with chronic back and joint pain.

What is occupational therapy?

First, let's define occupational therapy. Occupational therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on helping individuals regain function and independence in their daily lives. This can involve a wide range of activities, from exercises to improve strength and mobility to learning new ways to perform daily tasks, to addressing emotional and mental factors that can impact well-being.

When it comes to chronic back and joint pain, an occupational therapist can work with you to develop strategies for managing pain and improving your mobility. This can involve exercises to strengthen the muscles around your affected joint or back, as well as teaching you how to move in ways that put less strain on these areas. They can also help you find assistive devices, like a cane or brace, that can help you move more comfortably and safely.

In addition to physical strategies, occupational therapy can also help you manage the emotional and mental toll that chronic pain can take. An occupational therapist can teach you relaxation techniques, coping strategies, and other skills to help you manage your pain and improve your overall quality of life.

Why combine chiropractic care with occupational therapy?

Chiropractic care is a type of therapy that focuses on the alignment and function of the spine and other joints in the body. By using hands-on techniques like spinal manipulation, chiropractors can help alleviate pain and improve joint function. While chiropractic care can be incredibly effective on its own, combining it with occupational therapy can lead to even better outcomes.

One of the primary benefits of combining chiropractic care with occupational therapy is that it addresses both the physical and functional aspects of your recovery. While chiropractic care can help address the underlying joint dysfunction, occupational therapy can help you regain strength and range of motion in your affected joint or back, and teach you new ways to move that can reduce pain and improve your overall function.

For example, if you're experiencing pain in your knees, your occupational therapist can show you exercises to strengthen the muscles around your knee joint, as well as teach you how to move in ways that put less strain on your knees. They can also help you find assistive devices, like a cane or brace, that can help you move more comfortably and safely.

Another benefit of combining these two types of therapy is that it can lead to a more comprehensive approach to pain management. Occupational therapy can help you manage the emotional and mental aspects of chronic pain, while chiropractic care can help alleviate physical symptoms. By addressing all of these aspects of pain, you may experience more significant and long-lasting relief.

Studies on the benefits of combining chiropractic care and occupational therapy

Research supports the benefits of combining chiropractic care and occupational therapy for the treatment of chronic back and joint pain. One study published found that patients who received both chiropractic care and occupational therapy had greater improvements in function and pain compared to those who received only chiropractic care. Another study found that adding occupational therapy to chiropractic care led to greater improvements in pain, disability, and quality of life for patients with chronic low back pain.

Active Spine and Joint Institute recognizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to treating chronic back and joint pain. That's why occupational therapy is included in most of their treatment plans, in addition to chiropractic care. By incorporating occupational therapy into treatment plans, patients can experience a more comprehensive approach to pain management that addresses both physical and functional aspects of recovery. Active Spine and Joint Institute is committed to helping patients achieve long-lasting pain relief and improved function through personalized treatment plans that include occupational therapy.

If you're dealing with chronic joint or back pain, don't overlook the importance of occupational therapy.