Many people ask me, does physical therapy help arthritis, and the answer is YES. Physical therapy can be an effective and safe way to manage the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. In this article, we’ll explore how physical therapy for RA works, as well as learn about its advantages. We also have articles on related topics- other treatments for rheumatoid arthritis that aren’t conventional! Also remember to eat healthy when dealing with conditions like RA.
The physical therapist performs the majority of the effort in passive treatments. Massage, for example, there are many lifestyle changes you can make to manage your RA. Medications, for example, help with pain management and other symptoms. Physical therapy is another option that helps you overcome the obstacles of living with RA.
Your physical therapist will create a personalized physical therapy plan for you, which will most likely include a mix of active and passive therapies.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments
Cold therapy slows circulation, resulting in a reduction in edema. Passive treatments such as massage do not require your participation. Active treatments, on the other hand, involve you completing exercises that can help reduce the severity of rheumatoid arthritis flare-ups.
A cold compress or heat treatment can be applied to the affected area. Massage therapy is a great approach for relieving muscle tension and improving circulation, while water treatments are used mainly in RA-related pain and other symptoms. Hydrotherapy, which is water-based therapy for RA-related pain relief and other symptoms, is also an option where you submerge in warm water for it to work well. Massage therapy can relieve muscle tension as well as improve circulation; it’s also an approach that helps with stress (especially important given its benefits on people with Rheumatoid Arthritis).
TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) is a pain relief system that uses electrical impulses to prevent the transmission of pain from your nerves. Ultrasound also helps relieve joint and muscle stiffness by using sound waves, which improve circulation.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Active Treatments
Flexibility and strength workouts help you increase your range of motion and muscle strength. Yoga and Pilates are both strengthening and flexibility activities.
Low-impact aerobic exercise is a moderate but effective way to alleviate the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. This sort of exercise includes things like light walking.
A medical professional can guide you as to how frequently you should perform these exercises. For example, your physical therapist may recommend a plan that includes 30 minutes of low-impact aerobic activity every day and 30 minutes of strengthening exercises every other day.
When it comes to active therapies, remember to ease into them, especially if you haven’t been active in a while. If you’re a little sore, that is normal; however, if you experience pain or new symptoms that are still present days later, then you should contact your doctor.
Although physical therapy can assist with chronic pain, joint inflammation, and other rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, you should consult your doctor to see if physical therapy is an appropriate treatment option for you.
Then if you and your physician decide that it is, and you live in the Asheville, NC area, we’d love to connect with you!
CONTACT 1on1 Physical Therapy! 828-785-8388
If you are interested in a related article, you might enjoy: Inflammation & the Healing Process
