Rheumatoid Arthritis is a variation of arthritis where the damage to joints is caused by the body’s own healing response. Our experienced physiotherapists here at Liverpool Physio have the knowledge and skills to help relieve your symptoms and advise you in self-management of your condition. Getting you back to normal daily activities in the best possible health.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where damage to the bone and tissues is caused by the body’s own healing response. Minor damage to a joint can occur naturally over time due to wear and tear. Inflammation can be a natural response to such damage causing swelling and discomfort, but in rheumatoid arthritis the inflammatory reaction is exaggerated. This leads to accelerated degeneration of the structures in the joint. Physiotherapy treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis will help you manage your symptoms and improve your independence and quality of life.
Above: Massage is an effective treatment for rheumatoid arthritisWhat causes Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Where the ends of two bones meet, their surfaces are covered in a layer of smooth cartilage that helps reduce friction as movement occurs at the joint. Around the joint structure is a capsule called the synovium that helps protect and stabilise the joint. Contained inside the synovium, surrounding and nourishing the cartilage tissue of the joint is synovial fluid.
Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation of the synovium capsule, which in turn creates swelling and pain in the joint. As fluid from the swelling rushes into the joint it can cause painful pressure that reduces mobility, and stretches the synovium capsule. Repeated episodes of inflammation can leave the capsule and surrounding soft tissues stretched, reducing joint stability which increases wear and tear from normal activity. Without proper management this process can have a severe degenerative effect on the joints.
Unfortunately, it is still unclear what triggers the normal inflammation process to develop into the chronic presentation of Rheumatoid arthritis. There is some research evidence that suggests links to lifestyle factors like smoking and drinking. But it is also thought genetic and environmental factors affect people’s risk of developing Rheumatoid Arthritis.
What are the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis can vary a great deal depending on severity of condition and level of activity. Often deterioration or improvement of symptoms can change regularly with no obvious cause. Here at Liverpool Physio we can treat and advise you on how to cope with some of the following symptoms;
- Pain in the affected joints, inhibiting movement.
- Progressive stiffness in affected joints, reducing mobility particularly in the morning.
- Fatigue with bouts of depression and irritability.
- Reduced range of movement from bone thickening or osteophytes.
- Inflammation in affected joints including swelling, redness and heat.
- Your affected joints may fill with fluid and feel tight, especially after using them.
- Sometimes audible creaky joints occur as the cartilage wears away, leaving bone on bone.
- Fever symptoms or chills sensation, especially after physical activity.
- Intermittent swelling tends to effect wrists, fingers and feet first.
How is Rheumatoid Arthritis diagnosed?
Above: Management of rheumatoid arthritis through massage therapy.Rheumatoid Arthritis can difficult to diagnose in its early stages as there is no single test that conclusively shows its presence. A preliminary diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis can be made by a physiotherapist or doctor who will conduct a thorough subjective and objective assessment.
If you would like more information about how Physiotherapy can help treat Rheumatoid Arthritis, or to book yourself an appointment, please email office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk or call 0151 558 0077 .
What would a physiotherapy assessment for Rheumatoid Arthritis involve?
In your first appointment at Liverpool Physio, your assessment would be divided into the following two sections:
Subjective
A discussion to find out the cause of your symptoms, how long they have been persisting, if you have had any previous injuries in this area, what symptoms you are experiencing and how your condition is affecting you and your lifestyle.
Objective
A physical assessment of your range of pain, tenderness in the area, range of movement and a series of special tests to identify exactly which structures you are likely to have affected.
In well-developed cases of rheumatoid arthritis there are certain blood tests and x-rays that may support a diagnosis. These can also help target physiotherapy treatment to achieve the best relief from symptoms.
What would a physiotherapy treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis of hand involve?
A person with Rheumatoid Arthritis affecting their joints will benefit from physiotherapy treatment. The earlier treatment is started after diagnosis the greater the long term relief from symptoms can be expected.
An initial assessment with one of our specialised physiotherapists will look at your current symptoms, range of movement, muscle strength and function in order to develop a rehabilitation program centred on your needs and lifestyle. Physiotherapy treatment at Liverpool Physio may include:
- Heat therapy to reduce pain and stiffness
- Soft tissue massage to relieve tension and aching joints
- Advice about wrist braces and supports that may help to reduce your pain during activity
- Range of movement exercises to protect the joint from shock and stress and improve grip, dexterity and coordination.
- Gentle strengthening exercise, increases joints muscle support.
- Advice about how to modify activities and avoid certain movements such as lifting and carrying heavy loads to provide some relief and increase independence
- Advice on lifestyle modification, including weight loss to reduce pressure on joints.
- Splints and orthotics during the night to reduce contractures.
- Wax baths are particularly good heat therapy and skin treatment for affected hands.
- Hydrotherapy in warm water will aid in gentle exercise.
Physiotherapy treatment at Liverpool Physio will reduce pain, help to maintain joint function and increase the muscle strength, so that you can continue with your everyday activities with less pain and stiffness.
How can I arrange a physiotherapy assessment for Rheumatoid Arthritis?
If you are experiencing pain, swelling, stiffness or loss of strength and show signs of inflammation in you joints, you may have Rheumatoid Arthritis and you would benefit from seeing one of our physiotherapists at Liverpool Physio.
You can contact us directly to arrange an assessment and we can advise you if further treatment is recommended, or give you details on self-management for minor cases. To arrange an appointment please email office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk or call 0151 558 0077 .
Summary
Rheumatoid Arthritis affects a lot of people and although there is currently no cure, with the proper management, the impact it has on your daily life can be greatly reduced. We can assess you to find the specific source of your Rheumatoid Arthritis pain and then advise you on technique to self-manage your symptoms.
At Liverpool Physio our experienced Physiotherapists can comprehensively assess your condition and tailor a personalised treatment plan to address your needs. We can help you achieve the best possible functional recovery and importantly, advise you how to manage your symptoms.
If you would like more information about how Physiotherapy can help treat Rheumatoid Arthritis, or to book yourself an appointment, please email office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk or call 0151 558 0077 .
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