If you suffer from osteoarthritis, you may be only too familiar with the joint pain that can lead to sleepless nights and difficulty with moving.

Now, research published in the October issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism suggests that occupational therapy may be a beneficial addition to health resources for osteoarthritis patients, alongside an exercise program.

Many people with osteoarthritis may desire to be active, but may be held back by a variety of environmental and physical factors.

The occupational therapy, known as activity strategy training, includes education about techniques for protecting joints, proper body mechanics, how to pace different activities and how to deal with environmental barriers to exercise.

These patients were found to be able to increase the intensity of their activity, compared to those who did not have occupational therapy.

Susan L. Murphy, assistant professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Michigan Medical School, said that occupational therapy is “the missing link in promoting wellness of people with hip and knee osteoarthritis.”

Recent research cited by the American College of Rheumatology suggests that the prevalence of osteoarthritis will increase over the next few decades, particularly among younger people.