Marzanne Rautenbach Occupational Therapy

18/06/2026

“Fatigue After Cardiac Surgery Is Real”
Many patients feel frustrated when normal activities suddenly become exhausting after heart surgery.
Occupational Therapy helps patients: • Understand post-surgical fatigue
* Pace activities safely
* Recognise warning signs of overexertion
* Balance rest and activity
* Build tolerance gradually
Recovery takes time — and learning how to manage energy wisely is part of healing.
At Marzanne Rautenbach Occupational Therapy, we help patients regain confidence in their everyday routines.

16/06/2026

Here is my length and corners. Do you have enough length to go around a corner. The sensory nerves are heavily embedded in the SKIN. If you do not have enough skin length you can have pain, swelling, stiffness, tightness, weakness and slow guarded movement. Free up the skin before you do ROM and you will see amazing outcomes!

15/06/2026

15/06/2026

“Preventing Deconditioning in Hospital”
Long hospital stays after cardiac surgery can quickly lead to weakness and loss of daily function.
Occupational Therapy focuses on maintaining: • Daily routine participation
* Upper limb function during self-care
* Cognitive engagement
* Functional endurance for basic activities
* Independence with simple daily tasks
Maintaining function early in recovery can improve confidence and reduce long-term dependence.
Marzanne Rautenbach Occupational Therapy believes recovery begins with meaningful activity.

11/06/2026

“Assistive Devices Can Protect Recovery”
After bypass or valve surgery, certain movements and activities may temporarily become difficult.
Occupational Therapists may recommend assistive devices such as: • Shower chairs
* Raised toilet seats
* Reachers/grabbers
* Long-handled aids
* Bed positioning supports
These devices are not about dependency — they are tools that promote safe independence while recovery progresses.
At Marzanne Rautenbach Occupational Therapy, we help patients find practical solutions that support healing and daily function.

09/06/2026

09/06/2026

08/06/2026

“Returning Home Safely After Heart Surgery”
Going home after cardiac surgery can feel overwhelming.
Occupational Therapy helps prepare patients and families for a safer transition home by addressing: • Bathroom safety
* Safe kitchen activities
* Stair management strategies
* Home setup adaptations
* Fatigue management during household tasks
Sometimes small changes at home make a big difference in recovery and confidence.
Marzanne Rautenbach Occupational Therapy supports practical recovery for real life.

04/06/2026

“Energy Conservation After Cardiac Surgery”
Simple daily tasks can feel exhausting after major heart surgery.
Occupational Therapists teach energy conservation strategies such as: • Sitting instead of standing during grooming
* Breaking tasks into smaller steps
* Planning activities throughout the day
* Using adaptive equipment to reduce strain
* Prioritising essential activities
These strategies help patients recover safely while reducing fatigue and preventing overexertion.
At Marzanne Rautenbach Occupational Therapy, we focus on helping patients do more — with less unnecessary effort.

01/06/2026

“What Does OT Do After Heart Surgery?”
After a valve replacement or bypass surgery, recovery is about more than healing the heart — it’s about getting back to daily life safely and confidently.
Occupational Therapy helps patients: • Regain independence with dressing, bathing, toileting, and grooming
* Learn safer ways to complete everyday tasks
* Prevent unnecessary strain during recovery
* Build endurance for normal routines
* Return home with confidence
At Marzanne Rautenbach Occupational Therapy, we help patients adapt daily activities while protecting healing energy levels and surgical precautions.
Recovery is not only about survival — it’s about quality of life.