The role of physiotherapy in managing arthritis

Arthritis including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are common conditions that our team see at ME Physio. Whilst physiotherapy is not a cure for arthritis, it is a very effective way to reduce and manage the symptoms associated with arthritis. This includes reducing pain and swelling, improving flexibility, improving strength and preventing further deterioration to the joint.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a common disease that affects the joints. The most common type of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It involves the wear and tear and breakdown of cartilage in the joints. It most commonly affects the hip, knee and ankle. As the cartilage breaks down and deteriorates, it can cause pain, stiffness and swelling.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. It results in the body’s immune system irritating and attacking healthy joints. It commonly affects the peripheral joints including the fingers and wrist.

Whilst arthritis cannot be cured or reversed, there are numerous treatments to assist in relieving pain, reducing stiffness and prevent further deterioration. Treatment and management for arthritis commonly involves a team approach including your trusted General Practitioner and Physiotherapist.

What are the common symptoms of arthritis?

Arthritis has a wide range of symptoms. This can include:

• Pain. This can include a sharp pain or a constant dull ache.
• Stiffness and reduced mobility. This may vary from day to day.
• Swelling and/or warmth around the joint.
• Crepitus which includes joint noises such as clicking or creaking.
• Changes to the shape and look of the joint. In some cases it can change alignment of the joint.

What is the role of physiotherapy in managing arthritis?

Physiotherapy plays an important role in the management and treatment of arthritis. Not only can physiotherapy help with reducing symptoms, but physiotherapy will assist in preventing further joint deterioration. Our team at ME Physio have extensive experience with a wide variety of arthritic conditions.

The role of physiotherapy in arthritis includes:

• Reducing pain. Physiotherapists can use a variety of techniques to reduce pain and swelling including massage of the surrounding muscles, mobilisations and dry needling.
• Improving flexibility and stiffness. Physiotherapists can improve and restore flexibility by stretching and gently mobilising the joint, it’s surrounding tissues and structures.
• Protecting and offloading the joint. In some cases, in order to reduce symptoms, protecting the joint is required. This is often the case when the joint is acutely painful or irritated. Protecting the joint can include taping and/or bracing in some cases. This is often temporary to allow time for the joint to settle and time for surrounding strength to be built. In some cases, gait aids such as walking sticks or frames can also be prescribed by your physiotherapist to help offload weight through the joint. This is usually only done in cases to ensure normal gait and avoid bad habits.
• Preventing further joint deterioration. Strengthening the surrounding muscles will help to reduce further deterioration to the joint. Physiotherapists are able to prescribe and tailor the right exercises specifically for you to improve your strength without exacerbating your symptoms.

What exercises should I do for arthritis?

Exercise is one of the best treatments for the management and prevention of arthritis.

Improving flexibility. Mobility exercises such as stretching can assist to regain and restore normal mobility. These exercises should not be painful or exacerbate symptoms. This often includes exercises designed to stretch the joints through comfortable ranges of motion.

Exercises that maintain strength around the joint is the best way to prevent symptoms and further joint changes. The best form of strengthening exercises for arthritis varies from person to person. Strengthening exercises for arthritis includes resistance training. Resistance training for arthritis can include body weight exercises, resistance bands, weights or hydrotherapy.

Managing overall health and fitness is also a healthy compliment to your physiotherapy specific exercises. Cardiovascular exercise that you enjoy and can do without exacerbating symptoms should compliment any physiotherapy exercises. This can include exercises such as cycling, swimming or walking. If you are unsure, your physiotherapist can assist and recommend different cardiovascular exercise options.

To get started with physiotherapy to manage your arthritis, contact our team or book online.