Arthritis
Mandurah Physiotherapy therapists are trained to deal in the treatment and maintenance of Arthritis. They assess these conditions, provide advice, treatment and exercise regimes to minimise its effects and maintain optimal function in daily activities and sports.
There are over 100 different types of arthritis, so the chance of having some sort of arthritis throughout one’s life is high. Arthritis is pain and inflammation around the joints. It may also be associated with inflammation in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The most common sort of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which is wear and tear of the joints and most people get this type of arthritis if they live long enough. It can affect the limbs as well as your spine. If you have an arthritic complaint that is causing problems then you may need medical treatment and or physiotherapy to keep you going especially during flare-ups. Long term, people with arthritis need to learn how to manage their arthritis to keep their complaint under control. There are quite a few ways to do this. First of all, learn all you can about your condition. Your doctor, physiotherapist and the arthritis foundation of Western Australia can all assist in giving you information. Respect and listen to your pain. If an activity causes pains during or afterwards then modify or avoid the activity. Watch your weight. The excessive load will aggravate arthritic joints. Maintain your fitness and mobility. Gentle exercises in water or a hydrotherapy pool can be a great help to arthritis sufferers. Learn ways of controlling pain and inflammation. If an arthritic joint is very red, sore and hot then ice packs and rest may be advisable initially. Heat packs, on the other hand, can relieve spasm and soothe achy joints. There are also other measures such as arthritis creams, TENS units and medication which may help. Try to protect your joints by using labour saving devices available through the arthritis foundation. There are lots available such as lifting devices, tap handles, opening jar devices, cleaning devices etc.
Finally, obtain an ongoing maintenance exercise program from your physiotherapist and do it on a regular basis. Physiotherapy can also assist in settling any flare-ups and often regular maintenance is helpful. Visit your family doctor for advice if you feel you cannot manage your arthritis. Certain medications may be helpful for you. Or you may need to see a specialist in this area, a rheumatologist. Your doctor can refer you for this if necessary. And the last piece of advice… Despite your condition you can still enjoy life, control the pain and keep up with your normal activities in some capacity. Mandurah Physiotherapy provides a variety of exercise regimes to combat arthritis, including hydrotherapy, home programs, clinical pilates, gym work and individual hands on treatment.
