Pain Relief with
Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy in Minnesota
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy focuses on helping people fully engage in the daily activities that bring meaning to life—whether that's dressing, cooking, working, parenting, or pursuing hobbies. When pain limits function, occupational therapists (OTs) work alongside patients to restore comfort, mobility, and confidence.
Through a whole-person approach, OTs assess how pain, movement, posture, habits, and environment affect the ability to perform everyday tasks. Treatment often blends hands-on techniques with coaching and adaptive strategies to help people overcome barriers and regain independence.
Occupational therapy is provided in hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, home health programs, and community settings across Minnesota. Each occupational therapy care plan is shaped by each person's needs, values, and goals, supporting their journey back to greater function and well-being.
How Occupational Therapy
May Help with Pain
Occupational therapists take a holistic approach,
considering physical, emotional, and environmental
factors that shape the pain experience.
Treatment focuses on meaningful activities that may be limited by pain. These can include self-care, household tasks, work roles, recreation, or community participation.
Occupational therapy may focus on:
- Activity pacing and energy conservation to prevent pain flare-ups
- Ergonomics and movement techniques to reduce strain
- Adaptive tools and home modifications for easier function
- Relaxation, mindfulness, and stress reduction
- Sleep, nutrition, and lifestyle routines to support healing
- Mental health and emotional well-being through positive coping skills
By addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of living with pain, occupational therapy may improve daily function and quality of life—empowering people to do more of what matters most, from Minneapolis to International Falls and throughout Minnesota.
Learn More About Occupational Therapy in Minnesota
Find an Occupational Therapist in Minnesota
Occupational therapy emerged after World War I to help injured soldiers regain daily skills. More recently, occupational therapy was named a key service for chronic pain care in a national report by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Centers for Disease Control. Locate a licensed occupational therapist in Minnesota through the NOPAINMN directory.
