Treatments, options and pricing
Common Q&A about Inflammatory Arthritis Physiotherapy
Our FAQ section is designed to address common questions you may have, from how our treatments work to what you can expect during and after your session.
Our team is always available to provide additional support if you need more personalised guidance, ensuring that you feel informed and confident every step of the way.
Inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis, is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. Physiotherapy helps by reducing inflammation, improving joint function, increasing strength, and maintaining mobility.
The main goals of physiotherapy for inflammatory arthritis include:
- Reducing pain and inflammation.
- Improving joint mobility and range of motion.
- Strengthening muscles to support affected joints.
- Enhancing overall physical function.
- Preventing joint deformities and further damage.
Physiotherapy may include:
- Low-impact aerobic exercises like walking, cycling, or swimming.
- Range-of-motion exercises to maintain joint flexibility.
- Strengthening exercises to build muscle support around joints.
- Stretching exercises to reduce stiffness and improve flexibility.
- Hydrotherapy (water-based exercises) to ease joint movement with less stress.
Yes, physiotherapy can help manage pain through various techniques such as joint mobilization, therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, heat/cold therapy, and electrotherapy. These methods work together to reduce inflammation, improve mobility, and relieve discomfort.
The frequency of physiotherapy sessions varies depending on the severity of the condition and individual needs. In the early stages or during flare-ups, more frequent sessions may be necessary. Your physiotherapist will create a personalized treatment plan to meet your goals and adjust as needed over time.
During flare-ups, it’s important to modify exercises to avoid stressing inflamed joints. Gentle range-of-motion and stretching exercises are generally safe and can help reduce stiffness. Your physiotherapist can guide you on how to adjust your routine and recommend rest when necessary to allow for recovery.
While physiotherapy cannot prevent the underlying autoimmune process, it can help reduce the risk of joint damage by strengthening muscles around the joints, improving flexibility, and promoting better joint mechanics. Early intervention with physiotherapy can slow the progression of deformities and disability.
Maintaining good posture is crucial for reducing stress on affected joints, especially the spine, hips, and knees. Poor posture can lead to muscle imbalances and joint strain, exacerbating arthritis symptoms. Physiotherapists teach posture correction techniques and ergonomic adjustments to protect the joints.
Yes, physiotherapists may recommend assistive devices or tools like splints, braces, canes, or orthotic inserts to provide joint support and improve mobility. These devices help reduce stress on inflamed joints and allow you to perform daily activities with less pain and discomfort.
The time to see improvements varies depending on the severity of arthritis, consistency with the treatment plan, and individual response to therapy. Some patients may notice reduced pain and improved mobility within a few weeks, while others may require several months of regular physiotherapy to achieve significant results.
