Physical therapy is a must for arthritis patients
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Loading ...Arthritis is a disease of pain and disability. The fatigue caused by the two is more painful and have very damaging effects on one’s life. Physical therapy can help patients cope with pain and disability caused by arthritis and thus helps to live a better and happy life. Because there is no cure for arthritis, the focus of treatment is on disease management. So physical therapy is a must for arthritis patients. It is an essential part of a comprehensive treatment plan for arthritis.
Physical therapists are trained to help each patient maximize his or her functional independence, and they are important members of every healthcare team in the management of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). They inform patients about rehabilitative treatment options and recommend appropriate treatment modalities for each stage of the disease process.
Physical therapists are able to progressively tailor treatment plans to the individual by incorporating periods of activity and rest. They evaluate each patient by examining the affected joint for flexibility, bony alignment/joint deformity, muscle strength, endurance, mobility, ambulatory status, and the ability to perform activities of daily living.
A patient, doctor and physical therapist work together to define goals for physical therapy. They establish goals that are meaningful, achievable, and based on the patient’s own priorities. Patients are instructed in energy conservation techniques, work simplification, and independent problem solving. By setting goals and working hard at physical therapy, patients can usually improve physical function and enhance their ability to perform daily living activities. This improves their self confidence and they take active part in the training. This is a positive cycle to overcome the negative effects of the arthritis.
Exercises that gently improve flexibility, strength, and endurance help to improve the patient’s mood, outlook, mobility, and the ability to participate in important life events. Strength training is a key component of rehabilitation, as most people with RA suffer from muscular weakness even in the early stages of the disease. It is essential to find a balance between protecting the joints and gently exercising to enhance flexibility, mobility, and strength. The input of skilled physical therapists is critical to educate patients how to safely exercise, pace activities, protect joints, improve flexibility, and use assistive devices and adaptive equipment when appropriate.
Physical therapists act as mentors, friends, coaches, and drill instructors. They must be skilled, experienced, patient, and good listeners in order to help each patient achieve the highest level of function possible and limit disability. They can teach you how to reduce strain on your joints during daily activities. They can show you how to modify your home and workplace environments to reduce motions that might aggravate arthritis. After discharge of patients from formal physical therapy programs, physical therapists coordinate goal-oriented home programs and provide resources for additional education in the community. Thus a physical therapist is critical in providing patient education and activity guidance and we can repeat again that physical therapy is a must for arthritis.
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