World Physiotherapy Day 2023: Inflammatory Arthritis
Posted on September 6th by Jason Wells, Sports Exercise & Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, Mead Physio Group.
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World Physiotherapy Day highlights the important role that physiotherapists play in promoting health, well-being and quality of life. The day is also an opportunity to create awareness about the benefits of physical therapy and how it can help people of all ages and abilities to lead a healthier and more active lifestyle.
Every year, the theme for World Physiotherapy Day changes, and in 2023, the focus is on inflammatory arthritis, which includes axial spondyloarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. These ailments affect people of all ages and increase the risk of other serious medical conditions, such as cardiovascular disease. The cornerstone for managing these conditions well is advice regarding healthy lifestyle choices, including safe and effective exercise. When combined with modern medicine, physiotherapy forms a critical part of the team care arrangement to limit inflammatory pain, build strength and agility, manage flare-ups, and improve biological and psychological resilience.
What are the causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?
When your immune system turns inward on itself and mistakes the lining of your joints (synovium) for viruses or bacteria, this leads to an unprovoked chemical response that initially causes sudden swelling and pain. Over time, it slowly destroys your joints leading to deformities. Because RA can initially be confused with other conditions, undergoing an early and thorough examination can raise suspicion of its presence and trigger appropriate screening tests, including blood tests and scans.
What should I do? Â
Often, your doctor will refer you to a Rheumatologist who specialises in managing this condition. Modern medicine has greatly improved the quality of life for those living with this condition and they are best placed to advise you on the correct medication for your specific needs and which stage your arthritis is at. Since your immune system is the key player, medicine that alters and stabilises the erroneous inflammatory reaction is pivotal to successfully managing RA. A team care approach to your health will give you the best chance of managing your RA well. This approach includes engaging with your physiotherapy and exercise physiology professionals to assist with pain, improve your strength, and limit deformity.
What tools do physiotherapists have to help me?
A holistic approach to clients suffering from RA will include addressing the biological, psychological, and family/social elements surrounding the condition. The tools that your physiotherapist can bring to your management include active listening, education, activity pacing, strategies for flare-up management, setting safe exercise goals, and regular reviews. Using these tools together will ensure that your physiotherapist keeps pace with you along your journey.
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At Mead Physio Group, we pride ourselves on having a team of highly educated and extensively trained therapists who specialise in chronic disease management, including inflammatory arthritis. We place a high priority on our patients receiving the best possible care and continuity of treatment. That's why we work closely with our team at Exercise Right and Rehab who provide patients with individualised management programs and personalised support every step of the way.
