27/06/2025
👐 Joint Protection & Energy Conservation for Arthritis
Living with arthritis doesn’t mean giving up—it means adapting wisely. Here’s how occupational therapy empowers you to protect your joints, save energy, and get more done with less pain.
🛡️ Joint Protection Principles
Respect Pain – Don’t push through pain; it’s your body’s signal to stop or modify.
Use Larger, Stronger Joints – Carry items using your forearms or shoulders instead of small finger joints.
Use Two Hands – Distribute weight evenly and reduce strain on small joints.
Avoid Tight Grips – Use ergonomic tools and built-up handles.
Plan Ahead – Arrange your space so that everyday items are within easy reach.
Use Joint-Friendly Tools – Jar openers, tap turners, and reachers can make daily tasks easier.
Keep Joints Moving – Gentle range-of-motion and strengthening exercises help support your joints.
Use Splints When Needed – Splinting provides support, reduces pain, and protects joints during activity or rest. Common types include:
Resting splints (worn at night to reduce inflammation),
Working splints (for stability during tasks),
Thumb or wrist splints (to reduce overuse in everyday hand movements).
⚡ Energy Conservation Techniques
Prioritize Tasks – Focus on what truly needs to be done each day.
Pace Yourself – Alternate between work and rest to prevent fatigue.
Sit When You Can – Sit for activities like dressing, food prep, or showering to conserve energy.
Use Efficient Movements – Slide instead of lift, push instead of pull when possible.
Simplify Activities – Break up tasks into smaller steps and use tools to help.
🌞 Use Your High-Energy Times Wisely
Plan to do your most demanding tasks (like cooking, shopping, or cleaning) during times of day when you typically feel strongest and most energetic—often in the morning or after a rest.
Divide big jobs into smaller parts: for example, prep vegetables in the morning, cook later in the day, and clean up in the evening.
After a big task, schedule rest to avoid burnout and allow recovery.
🔬 Latest Research Highlights (2024–2025):
Knee braces, hydrotherapy, and regular exercise reduce arthritis pain and improve mobility.
Joint protection education lowers pain and boosts hand function.
Comprehensive OT programs combining splinting, exercise, assistive tools, and pacing strategies help people stay active, independent, and in control of their condition.
🔁 Takeaway Tips:
Protect your joints by using them wisely and supporting them with splints when needed.
Conserve energy with planning, pacing, and helpful tools.
Schedule demanding tasks when your energy is highest.
Use gentle movement and protective strategies daily to reduce pain and keep doing what you love.
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💬 Need help choosing the right splint or building a daily arthritis routine. We can help you personalize a plan that fits your
