Rheumatology Physiotherapy

What we do

The role of the physiotherapist is to provide assessment, treatment and self-management advice for all rheumatology conditions. This applies to all stages of rheumatic conditions from newly diagnosed to patients with long-standing problems. Commonly treated conditions include Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), Osteoarthritis (OA), Polymyalgia, Ehlers-Danlos-Syndrome, Lupus, Psoriatic Arthritis, Reactive Arthritis and Fibromyalgia. Rheumatology physiotherapists aim to increase the patient’s knowledge of their condition and provide self-management advice and exercises specific to their problems.

All our Physiotherapists are trained to screen for various Rheumatological conditions that may arise and are often unknown to the patient. Our specialist Rheumatological Physiotherapist here at ThePhysiotherapy Rooms LTD has a vast wealth of knowledge in this area.

What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition which can affect a number of joints in the body. Usually, the articular surface (lining) and synovium (fluid filled sac coving the joints surface) become inflamed which can then interfere with your normal hobbies or activities of daily living. The inflammation occurs as a result of the body’s immune system attacking various joints although the reason for this is not known. The inflammation may also affect the cartilage and the ligaments within a joint which can be very painful.

There are a number of symptoms that may be experienced if you have rheumatoid arthritis and these can vary at different times. Physiotherapy is a very effective way of reducing these symptoms and specialist physiotherapists that can provide you with a comprehensive treatment programme that is appropriate to meet your individual needs.

Potential symptoms may include:

• Pain
• Swelling of certain joints
• Stiffness which occurs especially in the mornings
• Redness over the joints
• Heat within the joints
• Unable to carry out your normal activities of daily living
• Tiredness
• Anxiety and depression
• Anaemia (reduced red blood cells)
• Weight loss
• Joint instability
• Deformities
• Rheumatoid nodules (lumps) over the joints

The most commonly affected joints are:

• Shoulders
• Wrists
• Metacarpophalangeal( MCP) joints (knuckles)
• Proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints of the hand (middle joints of fingers)
• Knees
• Ankles
• Proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints of the foot (middle joints of toes)

Most people with rheumatoid arthritis experience flare ups at different times and it is during those times that symptoms are most severe. Therefore it is important to develop an action plan with your physiotherapist to help you manage your flare ups most effectively to allow you to remain as active as possible during these times.

How is rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed?

There are a number of tests used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis and it is often the combined results of these tests that confirm the disease. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is important that you go to your GP as soon as possible. Early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis will provide a more effective treatment. The tests used include:

• Blood tests
• X-rays
• Ultrasound scanning
• Number of symptoms

Once rheumatoid arthritis has been confirmed, it is important that you begin physiotherapy as soon as possible to optimise the management of your symptoms. We can provide you with a full assessment and comprehensive treatment programme including a home exercise programme to help you take control of your condition.

How will physiotherapy help with rheumatoid arthritis?

Physiotherapy can help manage and reduce your symptoms in a number of ways. We will encourage you to take an active role in your treatment programme which will help you to work towards your goals. Physiotherapy can help in the following ways:

• Pain control
• Reduce inflammation and joint stiffness
• Help you to return to your normal activities of daily living or sports
• Reduce tiredness
• Increase range of movement at joints
• Increase muscle strength
• Relaxation
• Improve cardiovascular fitness levels