Introduction
Broadly said, physiotherapy cannot treat rheumatoid arthritis because there is no known cure for it. However, physiotherapy can aid in alleviating arthritis symptoms and stop it from growing worse.
Physical therapy for rheumatoid arthritis
Inflammation and swelling of the joints are symptoms of the inflammatory illness rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Physical therapy and other self-management techniques can assist manage symptoms and enhance quality of life, even though drugs may be required to limit the disease’s course.
There is no cure for the chronic disease known as RA. Although the symptoms might differ from person to person, RA most frequently affects the joints in the hands, wrists, elbows, and shoulders.
Physical exercise is crucial for managing RA. According to the American College of Rheumatology, those with arthritis who frequently exercise tend to get the following health benefits:
- Higher levels of energy
- Decreased pain thresholds
- Improved sleep
- Improved routine activities
Some individuals might prefer to collaborate with a physical therapist to create a personalised treatment strategy. Others might choose trying a range of low-impact workouts to determine which ones are most effective for them.
Examples of RA physical therapy techniques and exercises
Several physical therapy exercises may be able to reduce RA symptoms. Several instances include:
Stretches
Due to their exhaustion and joint pain, people with RA may be prevented from exercising. Stretching is an effective method for releasing stiff joints without making discomfort worse.
Before stretching, people should slowly warm up for 3 to 5 minutes. Afterward, they should to hold each stretch for 30 to 60 seconds before releasing it.
Balancing
The condition strikes most RA sufferers between the ages of 40 and 60. It’s possible that elderly people with RA are more prone to suffering injuries from falls. Exercises that include balance can assist avoid such accidents.
Walking
Walking may be done practically anywhere and is a mild type of exercise. In order to modify the pace, distance, and elevation to each person’s unique skills, people might begin slowly and gradually increase these factors.
A minimum of 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week is advised by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to the organization, brisk walking counts toward achieving this objective.
Benefits & Conclusions
The Arthritis Foundation states that physical therapy for RA attempts to assist by:
- Preserving fitness
- Improving the joint strength
- Increasing joint range of motion
- Retaining the capacity to do daily activities
The following advantages of an organised fitness programme for patients with RA were also discovered by a 2020 study:
- Decreased fatigue
- Enhanced cardiovascular health
- Enhanced mental capacity
Additional tips for minimizing RA symptoms
Here are some helpful pointers for controlling RA symptoms:
- Taking RA medicines as prescribed by a physician or pharmacist
- Before and after physical treatment, applying heat or ice to the injured joints to reduce pain and inflammation
- Eliminating extra weight helps ease pressure and stress on the joints that support your weight
- If applicable, stop smoking because it can aggravate RA and make it more difficult to engage in physical exercise.
