Arthritis is an umbrella term encompassing a range of conditions such as swelling, stiffness, restricted range of motion, pain, joint inflammation, etc. Although there are various types of arthritis with different levels of severity, some similarity is found in affects.
While a wide range of medications and surgeries are must-haves for certain types, arthritis therapy has proven to be beneficial for all types of conditions. This article is a comprehensive guide focusing on the techniques and benefits of physical therapy for arthritis.
Understanding Arthritis
Arthritis is a broad term encompassing over 100 conditions and 10 types, causing discomfort and distress on several levels to patients every day. There are two most common types of arthritis, which are discussed below:
- Osteoarthritis: it is the gradual deterioration of the joint cartilage to a point where friction is observed between 2 bones, resulting in pain, swelling, decreased range of motion, stiffness and joint deformities.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: it is an autoimmune disease that consists of the immune system attacking the synovium fluid in the joint lining, leading to inflammation in joints, pain, swelling, fatigue and weakness. After a while, this condition damages both bone and cartilage.
While many medications, surgeries, physical therapy and alternative treatments are available in the market that have proven to improve the condition over time, they still consist of no treatments that completely cure arthritis.
Physical Therapy for Treating Arthritis
In treating arthritis, physical therapy is one of the most significant treatments as it targets the joint area to regain range of motion, increase stability, strength, flexibility and ease pain. There are several techniques used for pain management in physical therapy that maximise the benefits of arthritis care. Let’s understand the techniques used in physical therapy and their benefits for arthritis care.
Range of Motion
This technique in physical arthritis therapy aims at maintaining as well as improving the movement and flexibility of the joints. It includes gentle stretching to combat stiffness, active range of motion exercises that involve movement of the joint in its full range of motion and passive range of motion exercises done with the help of an assistant.
For both osteoarthritis therapies and rheumatoid arthritis physical therapy, this technique shows tremendous improvement in joint function, alleviation of pain by reducing stiffness and prevention of joint deformities.
Manual Arthritis Therapy
In arthritis care, manual therapy techniques include the massaging of the soft tissue and joint mobilisation to reduce pain, improve joint function and reduce stiffness. This technique is proven to temporarily reduce muscle tension, relieve pain and improve joint mobility in both osteoarthritis therapies and rheumatoid physical therapies.
Balance and Coordination Exercises
This technique is uniquely altered for the types of arthritis that more significantly target joint mobility. Balancing exercises such as standing on one leg and holding the posture for 20-30 seconds, with the combination of coordination drills such as activities that enhance precision and motor skills, benefit in improving balance, and joint mobility and prevent falls.
Strengthening Arthritis Exercises and Therapy
One of the most important aspects of treating arthritis is strength training. This involves strengthening the muscles around the affected area to enhance stability and support with the help of isometric exercises and resistance training. In osteoarthritis physical therapies and rheumatoid arthritis therapies, the strengthening exercises are tailored to increase stability and stability, reduce pain and strain on the joints.
Functional Training
Functional training is a huge milestone for patients in arthritis care. As the name of the technique suggests, functional training refers to gaining the ability to perform everyday tasks. Exercises that help regain functional abilities are task-specific such as bending, reaching, pulling, holding, etc. or adaptive techniques that are training to incorporate assistive devices to perform everyday tasks.
Heat and Cold Arthritis Therapy
In arthritis care, this technique of physical therapy benefits inflammation and pain management via thermal applications such as heat packs and cold compressions that relax tight muscles, improve blood flow, reduce swelling and numb painful areas.
By applying heat and cold compression in osteoarthritis self-care, benefits such as pain relief and reduction in inflammation are observed in patients. In the case of rheumatoid physical therapy, Cold packs are immensely beneficial for combating the swelling and relieving pain while heat packs benefit in easing the morning stiffness.
Stretching and Flexibility Arthritis Therapy Exercises
This technique lays down the foundation for the reduction in stiffness and muscle tension and improves mobility, stability and overall joint flexibility in arthritis physical therapies. Whether it’s osteoarthritis therapies or rheumatoid arthritis therapies, stretching and flexibility exercises such as gentle yoga and static stretching have done wonders.
Posture and Body Mechanics
Proper posture, ergonomic adjustments and body mechanics are essential parts of arthritis therapy. This technique benefits osteoarthritis physical therapy by reducing the stress on the joints and preventing increasing joint deformities. The benefits of posture and body mechanics are also observed in the patients undergoing rheumatoid arthritis physical therapy as it improves joint functions and reduces the muscle tension around the affected area.
Education and Self-Management
In arthritis care, education and self-management physical therapy techniques can bring significant changes in a patient’s life. The technique focuses on educating in pain management and daily living adaptations. In Pain management patients are trained in activity pacing, joint protection techniques and the importance of rest to prevent overexertion. In Daily life modifications, training to use proper body mechanics and supportive devices to perform everyday tasks are incorporated.
Low Impact Aerobic Exercises
The low-impact aerobic exercises are aimed at enhancing cardiovascular fitness, increasing endurance and managing weight to minimise the strain on the joints. These exercises include walking, water aerobics, cycling, etc. For the osteoarthritis physical therapy patient, this technique benefits in reducing not only the strain on the joints but also in decreasing the risks of joint deformities. In rheumatoid arthritis physical therapy patients, this technique benefits in maintaining fitness, fatigue and alleviating pain.
Conclusion
Physical therapy in arthritis care is considered a huge part of enhancing the life of the patients. The techniques not only focus on strengthening the muscle group and stability but also on restoring functional ability and relieving pain. Considering the benefits of the different techniques applicable in physical therapy, a tremendous amount of improvement in the arthritis condition is observed in patients.
At Santokh Hospital, our expert Orthopaedics will curate a personalized recovery plan consisting of medication and physical therapy. With our assistance, it easier to manage arthritis and inhibit its progress to an adverse situation. Visit us for the best treatment for arthritis and post surgery care plus recovery.