Occupational Therapy

Changes in health, injury or mobility can make everyday tasks feel more difficult. Things that once felt routine, such as dressing or returning to work, may require more effort or planning.

We understand that an injury or condition is more than a diagnosis, it can be a barrier that stops you doing the things you love. We look beyond the symptoms to understand your unique goals.

At Affidea, our occupational therapy service focuses on helping you regain confidence in these activities. We provide practical support to help you stay independent and manage daily life more easily.

Overview: What is occupational therapy?

Occupational therapy helps you carry out tasks that matter to you. This may include personal care, work, hobbies or managing your home.

Rather than focusing only on a diagnosis, we look at how your condition, injury or symptoms are affecting your day-to-day life. From there, we identify practical ways to make tasks safer and more manageable.

Support may include adapting how you approach certain tasks, introducing new techniques or recommending helpful equipment where needed. For some people, this is part of recovery after illness or injury. For others, it’s about adjusting to longer-term changes in health.

At Affidea, occupational therapy is centred around helping you stay independent and continue with the activities that are important to you.

What to expect during your appointment

The specialist Occupational Therapist will listen carefully to your history before conducting a detailed evaluation which will include:

Detailed physical evaluation: A hands on assessment of specific structures of hand, wrist or arm, including muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves to pinpoint the issue.

Specialised therapeutic tests: these include range of motion, pinch, grip strength, sensation testing, dexterity/manipulation testing and overall functional abilities to create a baseline for your recovery.

Functional Impact Analysis: We discuss how your condition affects your real world daily tasks, from personal care, work duties to hobbies, sports, social/leisure activities that you enjoy. This helps us tailor your treatment to the goals that matter to you most.

You will leave your first appointment with a clear plan for your recovery.

If needed, follow-up sessions can help you build progress over time to maximise your independence in all area of daily living.

Occupational Therapy services:

We asses and treat a wide range of hand, wrist and upper limb injuries and conditions from common issues to complex and traumatic injuries and conditions.

These include:

• Fractures of elbow, wrist, hand, fingers and thumb

• Tendon injuries and surgical repaired

• Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI)

• Peripheral nerve injuries of the hand and upper limb

• Nerve compressions e.g. cubital tunnel or Carpal Tunnel Syndromes

• Crush fingers/terminalisations

• Trigger finger/thumb

• Osteoarthritis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Psoriatic Arthritis

• Post operative care of hand, wrist and elbow

• Sports-related upper limb injuries

• Work-related upper limb injuries

Occupational therapy support and services we offer

Our occupational therapy service provides support designed to make daily life more manageable. We deliver education, advice and strategies to help your manage your injury or condition. Treatment programs are bespoke to each person and may include a combination of the following:

• Custom thermoplastic splint fabrication

• Wound and Scar Management

• Sensory re-education and Desensitisation

• Dexterity and Fine Motor Training

• Oedema (swelling) Management

• Advanced Pain Management

• Activities of Daily Living Training

• Activity Modification, Energy Conservation, Pacing

• Small Aids and Appliances

• Bespoke Exercise Programs

• Ergonomic Advice and Techniques

• Nerve and Joint Mobilisation

• Strengthening and Endurance Programs

• Work Conditioning and Hardening

When to see an occupational therapist

You may benefit from occupational therapy if everyday activities have become more difficult or require extra effort.

You might want to access occupational therapy if you have: 

• Difficulty with personal care, such as dressing or washing

• Challenges returning to work, sports, social/leisure activities or your usual activities after illness or injury

• Reduced mobility or coordination of your hand, wrist or upper limb affecting daily tasks

• Fatigue or pain limiting what you can do

• A new or ongoing health condition affecting your routine

Occupational therapy can help you find practical solutions to manage these challenges and maintain independence.

If you’re not sure whether occupational therapy is appropriate for you, your GP or specialist can guide you. Our specialist team is also available to provide advice and care.