Physiotherapy

HOW PHYSIOTHERAPY HELPS?

It’s important that you try to keep active when you have arthritis. Many people worry that exercise will increase their pain or damage their joints. But joints are designed to move, and inactivity weakens the muscles.

A physiotherapist will ask you about your current level of activity and any particular problems you’re having. They will also examine your joints to assess your muscle strength and the range of movement in your joints. This will help them tailor a programme of treatments, exercises and activities to meet your individual needs.

The programme may include:

General advice on increasing your activity level, setting goals and finding the right balance between rest and activity
Helping you avoid exercise-related injuries by advising on any equipment or training you may need if you’re starting a new activity
A programme of specific graded exercises to improve your fitness, strength, flexibility and mobility – which you can continue to do at home
A course of aquatic therapy (sometimes called hydrotherapy) – exercises in a warm-water pool
Advice on techniques and treatments to manage pain – including heat or ice packs, massage, and acupuncture
Providing walking aids or splints to help maintain your mobility and independence.

GRADED EXERCISE PROGRAMMES

You can gradually build your strength, stamina, mobility and activity levels by following a graded exercise programme. Your physiotherapist will show you how to start gently and then gradually increase your activity, without straining yourself or adding to your pain.

Your physiotherapist will probably recommend a combination of:

Stretching exercises to help ease aches and pains and get the best movement from your joints
Strengthening exercises to build or maintain strength in the muscles that support your joints
General fitness exercises, which are important for your general health
Proprioceptive exercises, which improve balance, coordination and agility.

Your physiotherapist will be able to advice on classes which may be available locally such as yoga, t’ai chi or Pilates as well as any walking or sports groups in your area.

Some physiotherapists have access to an aquatic therapy (sometimes called hydrotherapy) pool where you can perform exercises in warm water. Many people find it easier to move in water – the warmth is soothing and the water supports your weight so that you can move your joints and muscles without straining them.