Keep Moving Without Pain! Advice & Aids for Sufferers of Arthritis

Keep Moving Without Pain! Advice & Aids for Sufferers of Arthritis

We spoke with Elisha Stefanelli, an Occupational Health Expert based in WA, who works at InHand Occupational Therapy.

Uccello shared the Uccello Kettle and Grip Mat with Elisha who now recommends it to those living with limited mobility and strength such as arthritis. Elisha is a firm believer that living with arthritis doesn’t mean you have to stop doing things like stop moving or struggle with your daily tasks around the home.

That is why, together with Elisha, we are happy to share a list of daily living products that will make life so much easier.

Easy Tips for Around the Home

Loose Matting:

”Some things we like to recommend in our clinic is to remove loose matting (such as doormats or rugs that aren’t secured or weighted down) to prevent trips and falls.” Doing so will remove the risk of trips and falls.

Difficult Door Knobs:

”Use lever handles on doors instead of rotation knobs.” Saying goodbye to rotation knobs on doors means no more stretching and gripping movements to open the door. It will also mean less pain when trying to get from A to B around the home.

Grabbers & Reacher’s:

”Use long handled devices to pick things up, to prevent the need to bend over.” These items can be a god send if you suffer with arthritis in your back. They are also great for picking items up or reaching for items above.

Take the Pain & Spills Out of Your Daily Cuppa

Uccello Kettle:

You can take the stress out of lifting a hot heavy kettle and regain your independence, with the Uccello Kettle. It’s ’tilt-to-pour’ action and ergonomic handle directs hot water to the fixed position of your cup without removing the kettle from its cradle. There is no lifting, balancing or straining when making your next cuppa.

‘‘The Uccello Kettle makes this simple daily ritual effortless for an individual with hand mobility issues. We have one on our office and have recommended it to our clients.” – Elisha Stefanelli

Uccello Grip Mat:

If you have weakened grip or shaky hands and you are worried about spilling your cup when you place it down, the light and flexible Uccello Grip Mat is perfect. It’s non-slip and keeps items secure from moving (such as your coffee cup on the table). A great bonus is that it can help you open jars, water bottles and even twist door handles.

Last but by no means least, it is the perfect cup guide for the Uccello Kettle. If you are unsure where to place the cup, simply put the Grip Mat tight to the kettles front feet, place your cup in the centre ring and voila. A safe and easy pour every time.

Keep It Moving

It’s important to keep up on your exercise. This will help you to maintain flexibility and muscle strength.

Resistance Bands:

Equipment such as resistance bands are cost effective and super helpful. ”People often think they have to stop doing the things they love if they have arthritis due to pain or fear of doing damage. However, this is not the case. Regular movement helps to prevent pain and stiffness associated with arthritis.” – Elisha Stefanelli

At Home Exercises:

Elisha recommends exercises to help keep your joints moving, such as tendon gliding exercises. You need to hold each of the below movements for 2-3 seconds each and return to a flat palm in between each one.

The Hook – Touch top of palm with your finger tips, keeping your knuckles as straight as possible
Flat Fist – Bend as far as you can at your big knuckles, keeping your end joints completely straight.
Long Fist – Make a fist, trying to touch the base of your palm while keeping the end joints straight.
Full Fist – Bend all finger joints to curl fingers to palm.

Elisha also recommends gentle strengthening exercises, preferable of the entire body. Good examples would be: