Physical Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Physical therapy is an effective and safe treatment for management of rheumatoid arthritis. It can make everyday life of a person with rheumatoid arthritis easier. It helps in better movement, makes your affected joint strong and also helps to reduce pain.

At present, there is no physical therapy, which can fully heal rheumatoid arthritis. However, physical therapies play a vital role in the non-pharmacologic management of this disease. They help to cope-up with the chronic pain and disability.

Usually, the Objectives of Physical Therapy Are:

Pain control

Improvement in routine activities

Improvement in Joint stiffness

control joint damage

Improve strength

Improve fatigue levels

Improve the quality of life

Improve aerobic condition

Improve stability and coordination

Physical therapy includes:

Cold therapy : It decreases the circulation that finally reduces the swelling.

: It decreases the circulation that finally reduces the swelling. Heat therapy : It relieves the muscle tension and causes blood to flow more rapidly to the painful area.

: It relieves the muscle tension and causes blood to flow more rapidly to the painful area. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation : It acts by inhibiting the pain signals from traveling to the spinal It also helps to reduce the muscle spasms.

: It acts by inhibiting the pain signals from traveling to the spinal It also helps to reduce the muscle spasms. Massage : It helps to improve joint function, flexibility and reduce pain.

: It helps to improve joint function, flexibility and reduce pain. Hydrotherapy : In this therapy patient needs to remain submerged in the warm water to relieve pain and other symptoms.

: In this therapy patient needs to remain submerged in the warm water to relieve pain and other symptoms. Low-impact aerobic exercise : It is mild but successful in managing the rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Walking is a good example of low-impact aerobic exercise.

: It is mild but successful in managing the rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Walking is a good example of low-impact aerobic exercise. Flexibility and strengthening exercises: They help to improve the range of motion and build muscle strength. Yoga is a good example of flexibility and strengthening exercises.

Is Occupational Therapy Also Helpful for Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients?

Occupational therapy helps a patient to stay independent. An occupational therapist will teach you better and easier ways to do those things for which you need help. Your therapist can advise you solutions to make your daily activities like dressing, cooking, or bathing easier.