By Audrey Epps, OTR, CHT, Occupational Therapist at RWJBarnabas Health Ambulatory Care Center
When occupational therapy (OT) ends, it’s natural to feel accomplished, and maybe even relieved. However, for individuals living with arthritis, discharge doesn’t mean that the work is over. Continuing your home exercise program (HEP) is key to maintaining the progress you’ve made in therapy and preventing flare-ups that could limit your independence.
Here are three simple, evidence-based reasons to stay consistent with your HEP after OT discharge:
1. Maintain Joint Mobility and Function
Arthritis can cause stiffness and reduced range of motion in affected joints. Regular movement through exercise helps keep joints flexible, lubricated, and less painful. Without continued activity, stiffness can return quickly, making daily tasks such as dressing, cooking, or walking more difficult.
A study published in Arthritis Care & Research found that people with osteoarthritis who maintained consistent exercise routines demonstrated improved joint mobility and function compared to those who became sedentary.
Tip: Continue performing range-of-motion and stretching exercises daily, as recommended by your Occupational Therapist.
2. Reduce Pain and Fatigue
Exercise might seem counterintuitive when you’re in pain, but research consistently shows that gentle, regular activity reduces arthritis-related pain and fatigue. Physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, your body’s natural painkillers, and improves circulation to joint tissues.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, low-impact exercises such as hand stretches, aquatic therapy, or gentle yoga can ease stiffness and help manage chronic pain.
Tip: Listen to your body—moderation is key. Short, frequent sessions are often better than long, strenuous workouts.
3. Preserve Independence and Quality of Life
Continuing your HEP supports your ability to complete daily activities safely and efficiently. Exercises designed by your OT target muscle strength, coordination, and endurance, all vital for maintaining independence in personal care, home management, and community participation.
Research published in the Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine emphasizes that long-term adherence to home exercise programs leads to improved physical performance and greater self-efficacy among people with arthritis.
Tip: Keep your exercises integrated into daily routines— do stretch and hand exercises while watching TV or during phone calls.
Final Thoughts
In occupational therapy, we designed your home exercise program to fit your specific needs and abilities. Continuing these exercises is one of the most effective ways to manage arthritis symptoms, prevent regression, and maintain your independence long after therapy ends.
Remember, consistency counts more than intensity. Every stretch, range of motion and light squeeze helps you move towards a more active, pain-managed lifestyle.
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The experienced and compassionate staff at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center Rehabilitation Centers, with locations in West Orange and Livingston, offers adults and children the specialized care they need to resume an active life after surgery, injury or illness. Staff is committed to providing patients with the most advanced services in a safe, caring and soothing environment. For high-risk patients who are unable to visit in person, telehealth is an option. Patients do not need a prescription for physical therapy services.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call 973-322-7500.
Audrey Epps, OTR, CHT, is an Occupational Therapist at the RWJBarnabas Health Ambulatory Care Center. Audrey has 35 years of clinical experience and has been a staff member at the facility since 1990. She became a Certified Hand Therapist in 2001. Her area of specialty is orthopedic hand rehabilitation. She strives to always provide excellent care, compassion and empathy for her patients
References
- Fransen, M., McConnell, S., Harmer, A. R., Van der Esch, M., Simic, M., & Bennell, K. L. (2015). Exercise for osteoarthritis of the knee: A Cochrane systematic review. Arthritis Care & Research, 67(12), 2223–2230.
- Østerås, N., Hagen, K. B., Grotle, M., et al. (2019). Long-term effects of exercise therapy in people with hip osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 51(2), 115–121.
- Arthritis Foundation. (2024). Benefits of Exercise for Arthritis. Retrieved from https://www.arthritis.org