Millions of people suffer from arthritis and seek help from different medical professionals. It may be surprising to find out that physiotherapy is considered an effective treatment for arthritis. Having a better understanding of both arthritis and physiotherapy will help broaden your options for treatment.

Arthritis is a joint disease that causes pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the affected area. If you ignore arthritis, you may lose flexibility as a result of the increased joint inflammation. There are a few different types of arthritis. The most common type is called Osteoarthritis which happens as the cartilage wears down over time with aging and other factors. Arthritis in the initial stages may not be very painful and may only cause a slight ache in the joints. If ignored, the dysfunction has the potential to become more severe and result in the inability to perform daily tasks.

What Do You Mean By Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is a treatment that focuses on the musculoskeletal system, which helps in recovery from pain and injuries. Physiotherapy is performed by highly qualified, licensed, physiotherapists. In Canada, Physiotherapists go through extensive training and hold Masters Degrees. Physiotherapists use several techniques to help improve the functioning of the muscles, joints, and ligaments. You may wonder how physiotherapy can be helpful in treating arthritis. When consulting a physiotherapist and receiving treatment for arthritis, you will:

• Be thoroughly assessed including gait, range of motion, strength, balance, and function
• Address pain, tightness, and areas of concern
• Recieve a custom treatment plan often including manual therapy, exercise, and other modalities
• Obtain education, guidance, advice, and reassurance
• Feel more confident about returning to your regular activities
• Set suitable targets to keep you active on a regular basis

How The Diagnosis And Treatments Are Carried Out:

During the initial visit to the physiotherapist, you will undergo testing and physical examination. This will help identify the root cause of the problem. During the examination, the physiotherapist will analyze the level of dysfunction and inflammation. The physiotherapist will also ask you questions regarding your medical history. Based on the assessment, the physiotherapist will then customize a treatment plan that is specific to your needs and will help you recover faster. In the treatment plan, they may recommend other options such as an exercise routine, massage therapy, chiropractic care, or needling. An experienced and well-trained physiotherapist can offer a guided exercise regimen for you to follow that is simple and effective. It’s important that you perform the exercises to maximize your recovery.

Physiotherapy Methods for Treating Arthritis:

• Hydrotherapy:  Physiotherapists may prescribe exercises in water as there is less stress on your joints. These exercises would be shown to you in clinic and then you can perfom them in a pool setting. 
• Manual Physiotherapy: In this method, the therapist uses their hands to apply pressures on specific points in order to relieve pain, sttiffness, and muscle tightness in the affected joint. It is considered very helpful and effective, especially in the care of arthritis of the hip, spine, and knee.
• Hot & Cold Therapy: Hot packs they often used to relieve pain, tightness, and increase the blood flow to the area. The cold packs help in reducing swelling, pain, and inflammation. The physiotherapist will help guide you on whether to use heat or ice for your condition.

Summary:

Arthritis is common as it affects many different people. Some people take medication to treat arthritis on a daily basis. Sometimes even with the medication, they are not obtaining relief. If you are seeking an effective treatment for arthritis, you can consult an experienced physiotherapist. Physiotherapy is an effective treatment for arthritis with long lasting results.