By: Kelly-Maude Amaral

Living with arthritis means learning to juggle the pain, fatigue and the unpredictability of everyday life. Over time, I discovered that occupational therapy could become a real ally. This discipline allowed me to regain a form of autonomy, to redefine my identity beyond the disease, and above all, to live again at my own pace.

First, occupational therapy taught me to listen to my body. Before, I thought you just had to “push through” the pain to move forward. Today, I have learned to adapt my daily life: I alternate periods of activity and rest, I plan my days according to my abilities at the time, and above all, I have stopped feeling guilty when my body tells me to “stop”. Occupational therapy has shown me that adapting my movements, my environment or my routines is not a failure, but a smart way to preserve my energy and my health.

This approach has also allowed me to continue doing activities that are close to my heart, even if I no longer do them in the same way. Thanks to the advice of occupational therapists, I was able to adjust my movements, use certain tools or modify my environment to get around obstacles. That’s when I understood an essential thing: it’s not me who is the problem, but sometimes the environment that is not adapted to my needs. This change of perspective was liberating for me.

Among the concrete adaptations that help me on a daily basis, some have become essential. For example, my height-adjustable table allows me to change positions easily, which is essential when sitting or standing for long periods of time becomes painful. I also set up chairs in strategic places such as the shower or the kitchen to sit down as soon as the stiffness becomes too strong. L-shaped door handles have replaced round handles: a small detail, but a big relief for my aching hands.

What I would like to see today is for the information about occupational therapy and the possible accommodations to be more accessible. Before studying in this field at University, for three years already, I didn’t even know it existed! Spaces for exchange – whether online, through forums or testimonials – should be created so that people with arthritis can share their tips, inspire each other and feel less alone. Because in the end, there is no one way to do it. Arthritis affects everyone differently and personalized solutions are needed.

Finally, I realized that sometimes small changes make a huge difference: placing objects at the right height, using suitable tools for cooking or washing, or even just understanding your own limits. All this can be enough to make people want to do things that we thought were lost.

Occupational therapy does not cure arthritis, but it has given me back my confidence in myself, in my abilities, and has allowed me to take control of my daily life. And that’s priceless.

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