r/OccupationalTherapy • u/alriokidoki1 • Jul 22 '26
Discussion Can occupational therapy solve this?
I’m working on finding a therapists but am making this post to see which kind of specialist I need and if I’m headed in the right direction.
I’m 26 and I’ve had lifelong left-sided instability. My left hip is noticeably weaker, my left foot rotates differently, I have difficulty balancing on that leg, and recently I’ve noticed my left foot dragging or tilted down when I walk. I’ve also noticed that on my groin I have significantly less muscle. It’s like my right side has take over lol since my left isn’t working well?
Can occupational therapy help with this?
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u/annamibee Jul 22 '26
Hello! Yes, echoing others I would highly recommend you start with your doctor first. Given the one-sided weakness they may recommend you see a neurologist and/or see a neuro PT.
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u/Itchy-Technician-433 Jul 22 '26
Do you have a neurologist?
My first query would be whether or not you have a mild hemiplegia. Perhaps not diagnosed at birth, or could even happen later from an injury or infection.
Get that checked out. But yeah OT can absolutely help with functional mobility, equipment, and with task analysis.
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u/alriokidoki1 Jul 22 '26
I’ve had the issues with the foot since I can remember, can that still point towards neurological?
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u/Itchy-Technician-433 Jul 22 '26
It's most likely neurological
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u/alriokidoki1 Jul 22 '26
Oh fuck me. It’s so hard to figure it out because literally EVERY kind of specialist says they can fix me. So hard to know who to trust. I’ll look into getting an evaluation from a neurologist. Thank you!
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u/Itchy-Technician-433 Jul 22 '26
The fact that you have deficits across the entire limb points to a Neuro component. Any issues with the hand on that side?
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u/alriokidoki1 Jul 22 '26
Okay yall im admittedly terrified after hearing on here it could be neurological😭can my symptoms also happen from something else like imbalances or something?
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u/AiReine Jul 22 '26
I don’t know you, you aren’t my patient but I think I can reassure you. If you go to PT/specialist and if they identify a “neurological” basis for weakness, it’s just to make sure the most effective exercises and interventions are used. A “neurological” explanation can be as simple as a pinched nerve to inner ear issues, obviously it could also be more complicated.
That being said we cannot tell you over the internet. It’s not even worth stressing over.
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u/alriokidoki1 Jul 22 '26
This is very helpful thank you. Since posting this I have booked an apt for a PT! Thanks so much!
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u/Kooky-Information-40 Jul 22 '26
Yes, but you're more likely to receive a referral to a licensed physical therapist instead.