Mandurah Physiotherapy deals in the treatment and maintenance of Arthritis. Physiotherapists are highly trained to assess these conditions and provide advice, treatment and exercise regimes to minimise it’s 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 relatively 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 osteo-arthritis, which is wear and tear of inflammed 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 then you may need medical treatment and or physiotherapy to keep you going especially during flare-ups. Those with athritis need to learn how to manage their arthritis and how to keep keep their complaint under control in the long term. 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 W.A. can all assist in giving you information. Listen and respond to your pain. If an activity causes pains during or afterwards then modify or avoid the activity. Watch your weight. Excessive load will aggravate arthritic joints. Maintain your fitness and mobility. Gentle exercises in water can be helpful for 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 may relieve spasm and sooth achy joints. There are also other measures such as arthritic creams, TENS units and medication which may help. Try to protect your joints by using labour saving devices available through the arthritis foundation. These include items such as lifting devices, tap handles, opening jar devices, cleaning devices etc.
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 with your physiotherapist is advised to avoid flare ups.. 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.
Despite an arthritis condition, if managed well, pain can be controlled and life still enjoyed. You should be able to keep up with normal activities in some capacity. Mandurah Physiotherapy provides a variety of exercise regimes and modalities to combat arthritis, including hydrotherapy, home programs, clinical pilates, gym work and individual hands on treatment.
