Having arthritis can be a harrowing experience. The joints become stiff from inflammation, making it difficult to move and causing pain in that region. The condition also makes it challenging for many to work or even move, impeding one’s quality of life. And so, it is essential for many people with arthritis to find ways to live with their arthritis. One such way to manage the pain is through physiotherapy.
What to Do When You Have Arthritis
When you suspect you have arthritis, it is crucial to see a doctor to get a proper diagnosis and explore your treatment options. You cannot simply ignore the problem as it can only worsen without appropriate treatment. With early diagnosis, the doctor may still be able to prevent irreversible damage and disability.
To get an appropriate diagnosis, the doctor may look at your medical history and order some tests to be done. If the results of the tests confirm your suspicion of arthritis, the doctor may prescribe you medication and recommend physiotherapy to help with pain management. Safe exercises guided by a physiotherapist, in particular, may be advisable.
The Importance of Regular Physical Activity
Regular physical activity is often recommended when treating arthritis. Although it may seem odd since arthritis limits movement, physical activity plays a significant role in managing arthritis. With regular exercise, the muscles surrounding the affected joints become stronger. This can decrease the risk of bone loss and even help control swelling and pain.
Your physiotherapist will create a custom therapeutic exercise program for you to help improve your strength and mobility. The exercises in this program will depend on which areas of the body are affected by arthritis.
Physiotherapy Treatments
Aside from regular physical activity, your physiotherapist may also recommend other treatments for arthritis pain management. These treatments fall under manual therapy and are passive modalities, meaning they require no active participation from the patient. They are intended to reduce pain, increase blood flow, improve mobility and reduce inflammation.
Ice Packs and Heat Therapy
Cold compress and hot compress are often first aid treatments used to reduce swelling and pain in the body. They can help soothe the swollen joints and stimulate blood flow. Ice and heat packs are recommended, but you may also use alternatives if none are available. This often includes soaking a clean cloth in either warm or cold water and wringing out the excess moisture.
Massages
Massages aren’t just for treating yourself and relieving stress. They can also help soothe arthritis pain. At the hands of a skilled professional, areas of concern can be massaged in a safe and healing manner.
Acupuncture
One less common physiotherapy treatment for arthritis is acupuncture. This practice involves penetrating the skin with needles and has long been used in eastern medicine. Acupuncture stimulates the brain, leading to the release of endorphins which can help reduce pain and stress.
Final Thoughts
Arthritis is a joint disorder that often impedes one’s quality of life by restricting mobility and causing pain. When you constantly feel pain in your joints, it’s best to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Your doctor may recommend seeing a physiotherapist to help you manage your arthritis pain through physiotherapy treatments such as properly guided exercises, ice and heat therapy, massages and even acupuncture.
Manage your arthritis pain with the help of Invigor Health. We provide affordable physiotherapy in Bondi Beach that can help fix your pain and future-proof your body. At Invigor Health, we aim to help our clients feel fit, active and pain-free for the long term. Book an appointment now!