Our Chartered Physiotherapists in the Vhi SwiftCare Clinics are trained to treat the symptoms of rheumatic diseases such as arthritis.
What is arthritis?
There are many different types of arthritis, the most common form being osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage lining the bones in the joint breaks down due to wear and tear (degeneration). In cases of more advanced cartilage degeneration the underlying bone in the joint may also begin to erode. The result of cartilage and joint degeneration is inflammation, swelling, joint stiffness and pain. The joint stiffness which occurs with osteoarthritis is often the major cause of pain.
Physiotherapy treatment has a large part to play in the overall management of all types of arthritis, including Rheumatoid, Juvenile, psoriatic etc. Physiotherapy for people with arthritis is aimed at:
- reducing pain
- improving movement
- strengthening muscle power
- assisting a person to be independent and functioning as well as is possible.
Our Physios uses a range of techniques to reduce inflammation and to control pain and stiffness. These include:
Pain relief methods
- Heat treatments
These treatments produce heat within your body tissues. The application can be directed towards superficial or deeper parts of the body. The most common types of treatment used are infra-red radiation (heat lamps) and hot packs for superficial treatments. - Electrotherapy
These treatments produce electrical stimulation of your body tissues. They may be extremely useful in the treatment of both acute and chronic arthritis, where pain, swelling and muscle spasms are present. - Physical treatments
These treatments include the use ofcold therapy and traction.
Treatments to relieve pain and stiffness
- Exercise
A balanced programme of rest and exercise, and careful attention to joint posture is an important part of pain management, joint protection and maintenance of your joint function. Controlled exercise helps lessen pain and stiffness and improves the strength of muscles and ligaments, so helping to stabilise joints. This is essential in all aspects of self care and particularly important before and after joint surgery. Specific prescription exercise and movement programmes can be developed.
- Manual therapy
Mobilisation and manipulation techniques are passive movements applied to a joint or soft tissue by the therapist in a specific manner to help restore full movement to a joint that is painful and restricted. With increased understanding of the structure and movement of the spine and peripheral joints, the usefulness of manipulation in the treatment of arthritis has become much clearer. Manual therapy is often useful in the chronic forms of arthritis and is often successful when other methods such as heat therapyand exercises have given little or no relief.
- Orthotics
The physiotherapist will analyse a person’s gait (walking) patterns, and suggest simple ways of improving poor gait such as insoles and walking aids. When necessary they will refer to our podiatrist. For more information about this service click here
- TENS
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy is a commonly used electrostimulation method for relieving pain in rheumatoid arthritis. Our physio’s may administer TENS as part of their therapy.
Our Physios will also assess you for equipment, such as: splints to protect your joints, crutches, walking frames and wheelchairs. They will be able to assist you in the purchase or hire or recommended equipment. To fit a splint, a physiotherapist may refer the patient to our podiatrist, who is an expert in the design and development of the devices that provide both support and/or correct musculoskeletal abnormalities.
- Acupuncture
Our Chartered Physiotherapists and Certified Acupuncturists often use acupuncture on their patients to help relieve arthritis pain. For more information please see ouracupuncture page.
Can we help you? Please click here for an appointment
