How+can+OT+help+you?

How can OT help people with Crohn's/ Colitis?

Return to homepage media type="youtube" key="JdfrHYrqHDE" height="185" width="223" align="center"

Occupational Therapists (OT) have the skills to look at the entire person including their enviornment. OTs not only address physical symptoms but the emotional piece as well. Beneficial interventions that fall within the domain of occupational therapy consist of energy conservation, neuromuscular and cardiac strengthening, stress management, time management, and recreational activities.

Participation in meaningful activities is a vital part of everyday life and is important to well-being. Chronically ill adults, such as those with Crohn's/ colitis, do not always have the opportunities to participate in meaningful occupations. When someone has difficulties engaging in their valued activities, occupational therapists can step in, according to [|the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework.]

**You can work with an OT as an individual or be part of a peer group lead by an OT.**
 A peer group gives women with Crohn’s/colitis a safe and trusting place to be with others with the same diagnosis. They can share their feelings, thoughts and strategies that they use. The peer group can provide a network for ongoing support and encourage participation in different activities. Here are some other places to find support.
 * ======[|Women & Infants Hospital] support group for women with Crohn's disease ======
 * ======[|CCF New England Chapter] a local contact ======
 * ======[| Crohn's Disease Support Group:]A community of patients, family members and friends dedicated to dealing with Crohn's Disease, together. ======
 * ======A forum linked to this wiki page Forum. ======
 * ======[|Facebook group page] ======

** Life Style ** changes including establish healthier habits and roles. This includes

 * ======__ getting back to work**/** cutting back on hours/ finding a less stressful job __**.** Participating in employment, especially for young adults, helps to mold their adult identity and help in recovery from mental illness. This may be true especially for young adults with Crohn’s/ Colitis who also have depression. Participation provides a sense of obligation and desire to be actively involved with something. It produces a tangible and visible outcome for the woman to receive approval from others. The young woman could be recognized for an accomplishment at work rather than ‘that’s the girl with the stomach problem. ======
 * ====== __exporing different leisure activites__ . Perhaps you use to take long hikes or go boating and now your Crohn's disease is preventing you from doing this. OTs can help you discover new hobies that are closer to restrooms or low impact. ======

** Adpatation ** includes the work enviornment and your daily schedule**.**

 * ====== __Enviornmental modification__ . OTs can change the environment and teach different methods to allow women to maximize their independence.======
 * ====== OTs can work with women on creating a __ schedule __ to allow for rest breaks and performing the heavier tasks in the morning. Together they can create a list of restaurants the women can go to or a list of available restrooms at the mall. ======

** Education ** is not just limited to diet, exercise and stress reduction

 * ======Stress significantly contributes to the increasing of symptoms. Through understanding and performing __ stress reduction techniques __, OT can assist in decreasing the frequency and severity of flare ups.======
 * ======__ Meal planning and preparation __. OTs can help create daily meal plans that is condusive with your busy schedule.======
 * ======__ Exercise __ is another preventative measures that occupational therapy could address. Not only does it help to build up bone density associated with Crohn’s disease, it has also been found to promote psychological well-being.======
 * __ Money __. Individuals diagnosed with Crohn’s disease have a greater frequency health care-seeking behavior than those who are not diagnosed. There are significant health care costs associated with Crohn’s disease due to diagnostic tests, medical treatment, and the related expenses due to missing work. Reserach shows that at least 75% of all patients undergo some type of surgery at least once during the course of the disease which can lead to large medical bill. OT can help with creating budgets and financial resources