Managing Effects of Arthritis with Physiotherapy

Arthritis means inflamed joints and can affect one or multiple joints. There are over 100 different types of arthritis and most of them are characterized by stiffness, redness of the skin around the joint, swelling, and pain.

Arthritis is more common among seniors ages 65 and above but it can affect people of all ages, including kids. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, it’s one of the most common health conditions in the country. And since arthritis affects the structure and functioning of our joints, it can lead to difficulties in doing common everyday tasks. It can also result in disability.

There is no known cure for arthritis but there are several effective treatments for it, one of which is Physiotherapy.

Physiotherapy for Arthritis

When you have arthritis, you may feel pain in a specific area or multiples areas of your body.

Your physician is likely to prescribe medications to help manage the pain. A physiotherapist, on the other hand, can recommend alternative ways to help you relieve pain. They can also help you understand what triggers your arthritis so you can cope with its effects better.

It’s crucial to continue to keep moving despite your arthritis. And physiotherapy focuses on your body’s ability to move. Physiotherapists are skilled and trained to help you move around and continue exercising with confidence. Exercises can include simple day-to-day activities such as walking or climbing the stairs.

The goal of physiotherapy for arthritis is to help you improve mobility and restore the function of the affected joints in your body. When you’re able to manage the effects of arthritis, you can continue living an active style and engaging in sports or activities that you love.

What Happens During Physiotherapy Sessions

Your physiotherapist will talk to you about your medical history. They will also ask you how your arthritis affects your daily life. During these discussions, your cooperation is crucial. Everything you tell your physiotherapist will be kept confidential so don’t hesitate to let them know how you feel. Your physiotherapist is there to help you.

After your evaluations, your physiotherapist will recommend a treatment plan. They will be there every step of the way to assist you as you follow your treatment plan. You may not need to go to the physiotherapy clinic every week but you will likely need to ensure regular visits to maintain mobility.

During every visit, your physiotherapist will monitor your progress and update your exercise programs accordingly. They’ll also identify any possible issues and offer advice on how you can deal with them. Consistency is crucial to achieving improvements in your physical functions. Over time, you’ll see your body become stronger.

So let your physiotherapist know if you have other concerns. It also helps to set small, realistic goals for yourself. It can be as simple as walking without feeling pain in particular areas of your body or practicing to reach items on your own. Your physiotherapy team will be more than happy to help you achieve these goals.

Tips to Manage Arthritis

Your physician and physiotherapist can help you manage your joint pain, but you need to stay optimistic about getting better. There are simple exercises you can perform to help reduce pain from arthritis. Here are more tips on how you can help yourself cope better with arthritis.

• Pace yourself. Avoid overusing joints that are affected by arthritis.
• Keep a healthy diet. Ensure a balanced, healthy diet and keep track of your weight. When your body is too heavy, it may strain your joints.
• Stay active. Keep your muscles and joints working with the guidance of your physiotherapist.
• Maintain proper posture. Doing so will help distribute your weight evenly so you can avoid stressing arthritic joints.
• Apply cooling packs on the affected area. This may help relieve pain but be sure to follow your physiotherapist’s instructions as you apply the cooling packs over arthritic joints.

Participating in Physiotherapy Sessions in Halifax

You can manage the effects of your arthritis and continue performing everyday tasks with the help of a physiotherapist.

Call us today at (902) 425-3775 to get started.