HOW PHYSIOTHERAPY CAN BENEFIT RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune and inflammatory condition that affects the lining of your joints. At the beginning of the condition it tends to affect smaller joints in your hands and feet and then spread to other parts of your body like wrists, knees, ankles, elbows and shoulders. Over time, this can lead to bone erosion and joint deformity which can result in painful and swollen joints. 

Rheumatoid arthritis can significantly impact day-to-day activities, so it is important to know what management strategies are available. An improved understanding of the condition and how physiotherapy can help, will enable people to continue enjoying the activities that mean the most to them whilst living with the condition.

As rheumatoid arthritis is a multifactorial condition, it is often treated by a combination of health professionals including doctors, nurses, physiotherapist, occupational therapists and pharmacists. 

Rheumatoid arthritis treatment through physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is targeted at improving joint health, slowing disease progression and improving quality of life. 

Those who are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to have muscle weakness, poor endurance and less aerobic capacity as compared to healthy individuals. Physiotherapy can help to address these limitations by using advice and education, manual therapy and exercise interventions.

Physiotherapy exercises for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Exercises that strengthen the muscles around the affected joints help to relieve pressure on the joint. In essence, stronger muscles allow you to do more with less pain. Listed below are three strengthening exercises for three commonly affected joints:

For more information or if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with us on (07) 3399 3318, or book an appointment. Visiting PEAK may be the first step you take towards taking control of your health and reaching goals you never thought possible.

Katie Muscat

Physiotherapist and Coach

PEAK Sports And Spine Centre