The Best Occupational & Physical Therapy Aids

Chronic pain is a way of life for one out of every five people in the U.S. Pain can get in the way of doing everyday tasks, working, and enjoying time with loved ones. But finding relief can be a challenge, especially since some treatment options can be dangerous and addictive.

For those who deal with pain of any type, physical therapy can make a big difference. There’s also occupational therapy, which uses everyday activities to help a patient rehabilitate. With either of those options, you’re reducing pain while also strengthening the muscles, nerves and reflexes necessary to perform certain tasks.

If your doctor prescribes either physical or occupational therapy, you’ll likely go to a dedicated appointment on a regular basis. With the right tools, though, you can practice at home, either as a supplement to your appointments or after you’ve improved enough to have those prescribed sessions less often.

The type of tool varies depending on your particular therapy needs. A licensed therapist or medical professional can give you some tips and even set you up with a great at-home therapy plan. You can also buy those tools on your own. Before you start any new routine, though, it’s important to check with your doctor and make sure that it will be both safe and effective.

One popular tool is a TENS unit. Short for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, these devices can deliver pain relief by using electricity to stimulate the nerves surrounding the affected area. You’ll also find tools that will help you strengthen the area, such as pulleys and even neck pillows that will help you get the right angle you need to find comfort.

In some cases, you’ll simply find ways to make your home more accessible. You can find mobility aids that will help you grip household items and move around your house, even as you’re healing or rehabilitating. It’s all about finding the right tool that works for your needs.

• Mobility aids typically aren’t one size fits all. If you invest in a product to help around the house, check sizing to make sure it will fit you.
• If you suffer from neck pain, the pillow you use at night could be part of the problem. You can find pillows specifically designed to maintain the curvature you need. These not only reduce pain but also help get to the source of the problem.
• A TENS device can be great for relief when you need it. But you’ll need to choose the right device. Find one that has multiple intensity levels so that you can customize each session to what you need. You’ll also need pads to connect the device to you. These are reusable, but there will be a limit to how many times you can use each one. Your device should come with some to get you started, but make sure you can easily order refills.
• Portability is an important consideration of any new therapy type you choose. If you’re ever on a business trip or vacation, having a tool you can take on the road with you will ensure you stick with your routine.
• A pulley system can be great for strengthening your shoulder after surgery or an injury. Make sure you do these exercises with your physician’s approval. You can find pulleys that attach to a door so that you can move it as needed. Make sure the pulley attachment won’t damage the door.
• Storage is an important consideration in any rehabilitation tool you choose. Consider investing in a storage bag or box to keep things in, and make sure you have somewhere to keep your items between uses.
• Routinely check back in with your doctor or physical therapist and revisit your results. If you’re completely going on your own, it’s important to have the area in question checked to ensure you don’t need to make adjustments to the work you’re doing.