Physiotherapy For Arthritis

The Role of Physiotherapy in Managing Osteoarthritis & Rheumatoid Arthritis

Arthritis is a chronic condition affecting millions of people worldwide. It refers to 100+ joint-related conditions. However, the most common types of arthritis are Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Cartilage breakdown causes osteoarthritis, which cushions the bone ends, leading to joint aches and stiffness. Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the joints and causes inflammation and damage. These symptoms make it tough for people with arthritis to do everyday activities, such as walking, running, and climbing stairs.

Arthritis cure must be holistic, physiotherapy can help in controlling symptoms which improves people’s lifestyle.  Physiotherapy for arthritis helps people regain movement, experience less pain, and boost their overall health. It is one of the most crucial yet underutilized tools in arthritis management. At CLP, you can get advanced physiotherapy to control arthritis symptoms. Here, you will learn the role it plays in managing osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Had a fantastic experience working with Ankit, my physio at Clinic Living Plus. From not being able to even get out of bed for the first one hour of waking up to now being able to even climb stairs comfortably, I am so happy with my progress.
Premadhri
Homemaker
5/5

Why Arthritis Requires a Holistic Approach?

Arthritis requires a holistic approach since it is more than joint pain. It is a complex disorder that affects a person’s physical, social, and emotional health. Here are the reasons why the holistic arthritis treatment matters:

Multiple Causes

Arthritis has many causes, such as genetics, inflammation, lifestyle, mental health, and autoimmune dysfunctionalities.
Holistic treatment controls these symptoms and causes, such as stress, diet, and lack of movement.

Personalized Treatment

Different people experience different types of arthritis. Holistic treatment includes personalization depending on a patient’s lifestyle, body and mind.
Holistic arthritis treatment heals the person, not only the joints. It promotes long-term health and lifestyle rather than only controlling symptoms.

Emotional and Mental Health

Chronic disorders, like arthritis, tend to cause depression, anxiety, and emotional fatigue.
Working with a psychologist and counselling can help improve mental resilience

Lifestyle Changes

Exercise, weight management methods, and diet directly affect arthritis severity.
The holistic approach focuses on suggesting lifestyle changes rather than making quick fixes. 

Chronic Pain Management

Severe arthritis pain can affect your mood, sleep, and everyday functions. The combination of physiotherapy, mindful practices (such as meditation and yoga), and pain-relief techniques manages arthritis much more effectively than only meditation.
Physiotherapy for joint pain is not only a pain management method but a core to restoring a healthy lifestyle.
Is Physiotherapy for me?

How Does Physiotherapy Help Manage Arthritis?

Arthritis management requires a holistic approach, with physiotherapy being the core pillar to help you improve Activities of Daily Living.

Take Control

Osteoarthritis (OA)

Physiotherapy helps in managing OA by controlling pain, boosting joint functionality, and improving overall life quality. It works on decreasing inflammation and boosting flexibility and motion, which strengthens muscles near the affected joint. 

Improve Mobility

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Physiotherapy helps in managing RA by helping people control pain flare-ups, decrease auto-immune inflammation, and boost joint functionality. It works on customized exercise programs and arthritis pain management techniques to strengthen joints, which improves life quality and helps people feel independent. 

Slow Progression

Psoriatic & Ankylosing Spondylitis

Physiotherapy can effectively control the symptoms of Psoriatic spondylitis by focusing on the spine and soft tissue involvement. It manages Ankylosing spondylitis by maintaining mobility and improving the overall life quality. 

Regain Freedom

Activities of Daily Living (ADL)

Physiotherapy can support ADL by fixing the underlying physical issues, which restrict a person’s ability to do essential activities. ADLs are usually distinguished into Basic ADLs (BADLs) and Instrumental ADLs (IADLs). BADLs are primary self-care activities, such as bathing, toileting, dressing, moving, feeding, and continence.

Physiotherapy and Arthritis

Here is a list of common physiotherapy techniques used in arthritis management.

Manual Therapy and Myofascial Release

Myofascial Release is a technique that works on relieving restrictions and tension in the flexible and strong tissues surrounding Myofascia, the muscles. As sustained pressure is applied on the skin, therapists can reduce pain and mobility restrictions, and improve cognitive functioning. 

TENS and Ultrasound Therapy

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) involves using a battery-activated delivery to pass mild electric impulses to the skin, which helps in controlling pain by interfering with the brain’s pain signals. TENS therapy is highly effective in controlling pain and regaining muscle function.

Tissue Extensibility and Joint Mobility Work

Targetted exercises, such as wrist rotations and knee bends, move the affected joints via the full motion range to decrease stiffness and increase flexibility. Yoga/Tai Chi helps in improving balance and preventing falls, a concern for arthritis patients, mostly older adults.

Hydrotherapy or Aquatic Rehab

Hydrotherapy, or water-based therapy, is highly effective in managing arthritis symptoms due to its unique physical properties. Water’s buoyancy reduces gravitational stress on joints, allowing less pain and greater range of motion. Additionally, the warmth of hydrotherapy pools  promotes vasodilation

Why Choose Us?

Regular Followups and Personalization.

Regular follow-ups help our doctor monitor changes in your health condition, detect early joint damage signs, and evaluate the efficiency of the current treatment plan. Arthritis management tends to require changing medicines and therapies over time. Follow-ups help the doctor modify the treatment plan depending on the patient’s response, disease activities, and any side effects. 

Arthritis isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” condition. Various types of arthritis can develop differently in people, which affects different joints with various levels of severity. Personalization involves customizing the treatment approach suited to precise requirements. As treatment is personalized to unique requirements and preferences, patients tend to be more satisfied with your care and choose you every time to manage arthritis. 

What to Expect?

At CLP, you can expect the best-personalized physiotherapy. We initially assess your joint pain, movement range, and treatment goals and customize treatment plans by combining the required therapies.
Our doctor works with a nutritionist, orthopedician, and rheumatologist if required to control your arthritis symptoms and improve your overall health. 
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Take Your First Step Towards Pain-Free Living

Do you want to get rid of the severe joint pain and manage your arthritis symptoms? You can manage arthritis with the right medicine and proper treatment.
Physiotherapy can always be one of the most effective ways to manage arthritis. Book an assessment with our physiotherapist today to get the right treatment suited to your health concerns and have a better lifestyle.
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