Physiotherapy for Arthritis

Physiotherapy (PT) is a kind of medical care that centers on building and enhancing mobility and working of affected body parts by applying different strategies and techniques such as, manual treatment therapy, hydrotherapy and electrotherapy.

Arthritis is an infection that influences the joints associating with the bones. It manifests in both chronic and acute forms and is related to joint inflammation. Arthritis patients experience stiffness, pain, and uneasiness during mobility. Arthritis has two types. First is Osteoarthritis that happens when the ligaments between joints are harmed. The second is Rheumatoid Arthritis that is an immune system disease that happens when the body’s immune system influences its joints.

PT’s principal objective includes enhancing mobility and restoring the functionality of joints. Moreover, they are authorised experts who reinforce the joints by utilising several treatments.

Physiotherapy for Arthritis:

Physiotherapy for arthritis includes the exercise of joints that help fortify the muscles around the joint. Moreover, it is a more natural approach to mend the joint and is prescribed at an early stage. Physiotherapy for arthritis is most ordinarily prescribed for joint inflammation in the knee, back pain, and neck pain.

Role of Physiotherapy in treating Osteoarthritis

Different treatment plans used by physiotherapists for treating Osteoarthritis include:

  • Physical exercise
  • Massages
  • Patients provided with tools for mobility
  • Electrotherapy

Role of Physiotherapy in treating Rheumatoid Arthritis

Physiotherapists ordinarily start with a physical exam before the treatment. The examination includes assessing the walk, nomad activities of life, joint mobility, muscle strength, the respiratory system’s functionality, and posture.

  • Hot/Cold treatment is utilised in both chronic and acute Rheumatoid Arthritis.
  • Electrical Stimulation-Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Incitement (TENS) treatment is the most well-known type of electrotherapy utilised to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis.
  • Patients are relieved from Rheumatoid Arthritis if hydrotherapy is performed at standard intervals.
  • Rehabilitation methods in treating Rheumatoid Arthritis include supporting the influenced joints, utilising pressure gloves, manual treatment, patient counseling, and remedial activities.

The Goals of Physical Therapy for Arthritis Patients:

  • Enhancing the mobility of affected joints.
  • Enhancing and restoring the functionality of affected joints. 
  • Enhanced muscle strength.
  • Fitness maintenance.
  • Preserving the ability to perform daily activities.

Physiotherapist Do For You:

  • The physiotherapist develops an individualized plan for the patients. These activities are intended to improve adaptability, strength, coordination, and equilibrium to accomplish ideal capacity.
  • The physiotherapist shows an appropriate stance and mechanics of the body for the regular day to day exercises to assuage pain and improve the body’s functionality.
  • The physiotherapist explains the best way to utilise assistive gadgets appropriately, for example, walkers and canes.
  • The physiotherapist suggests diverse treatment plans, for example, splints and braces to help infected joints, shoe supplements to relieve from stress, and hot and cold therapy to ease joint pain and stiffness.
  • The physiotherapist proposes adjustments to the surroundings, such as ergonomic seats or a padded mat in the kitchen, to alleviate pain and enhance functionality.

How can Physiotherapy Help?

Physiotherapy can help an individual

  • See how joint pain influences a person.
  • Manage their pain.
  • Improve the wellness.
  • Continue moving, extending, and reinforcing.

Treatment:

  • A program of explicit activities.
  • General guidance on expanding the activity level and keeping away from work that causes injuries.
  • Relief from discomfort medicines, for example, heat or ice packs, TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve incitement) machines, acupuncture, massages, or taping.
  • Giving gadgets or aids to help remain autonomous and mobile.

Conclusion:

It may be inferred that arthritis patients can get huge alleviation from pain after consulting a physiotherapist. The physiotherapist may incorporate a program of custom-made activities for individuals according to their requirements, direction and need on expanding the activity, or relief from pain.

References:

Clarke, D. (2015, September 29). How Physiotherapy Can Help With Arthritis. Retrieved December 13, 2020, from https://www.thephysiocompany.com/blog/how-physiotherapy-can-help-with-arthritis

Physical Therapy for Arthritis. (n.d.). Retrieved December 13, 2020, from https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/treatment/complementary-therapies/physical-therapies/physical-therapy-for-arthritis

Physiotherapy. (n.d.). Retrieved December 13, 2020, from https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/therapies/physiotherapy/

Rheumatoid Arthritis. (n.d.). Retrieved December 13, 2020, from https://www.physio-pedia.com/Rheumatoid_Arthritis

Sahi, D. (2018, August 23). Physiotherapy as a Treatment for Arthritis. Retrieved December 13, 2020, from https://www.news-medical.net/health/Physiotherapy-as-a-Treatment-for-Arthritis.aspx

* Contact Reach Physiotherapy for a list of references used for this blog content.