Health Benefits of Physiotherapy for Arthritis

Published on: 6th August 2023
Medically reviewed by: Medical Director at First Response Healthcare
Physiotherapy for Arthritis
Arthritis is a disease that affects the joints that connect bones. It can manifest in both acute and chronic forms and is associated with joint inflammation. People who have arthritis experience pain and they also feel stiffness and discomfort during movement of their joints. There are two main forms of arthritis. The first one is osteoarthritis that occurs when the cartilage between joints is damaged. The second one is Rheumatoid arthritis. This occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its own joints.
Through home physiotherapy for arthritis, the main goal is to treat arthritis is to improve mobility and restore function in affected joints. This is done through a variety of techniques such as manual therapy, hydrotherapy, electrotherapy, and patient counseling. A physical therapist, who is a licensed professional, will choose a combination of therapies that are best for you based on your condition.

How Can Physiotherapy for Osteoarthritis help?

Osteoarthritis primarily affects the knees, hips, spine, and fingers. Physiotherapy for osteoarthritis can help patients in reducing or managing the pain, as well as improve physical function.
Different modalities used by physical therapists to treat osteoarthritis include:
  • Exercises
  • Massages
  • Providing patients with walking aids
  • Electrotherapy
Physiotherapy for osteoarthritis as a treatment approach for knee osteoarthritis includes:
  • Hydrotherapy: This technique uses water to treat arthritis. A special exercise is performed in water at 33-36 °C. Physical therapists guide people through specific exercises, such as stretching, aerobic exercises, and strength exercises.
  • Manual therapy: This is another approach where physical therapists use hands-on techniques to relieve pain and stiffness. This technology has shown immense benefits in treating knee osteoarthritis.
  • Other approaches, such as acupuncture (dry needling) and heat therapy, have also been shown to be highly effective in reducing pain.
  • As a part of home physiotherapy for arthritis, the physiotherapist will also guide you through home exercises for osteoarthritis of the knee.

Physiotherapy For Hip Arthritis

The hip joint supports your weight. Therefore, pain in this joint impairs overall mobility. Physiotherapy aims to improve the patient’s mobility in such cases. Techniques used by physical therapists include:
  • Manual therapy
  • Stretching and strengthening exercises
  • Weight management training
  • Strategies to protect the hip joint: With this technique, patients are instructed on specific joint protection methods. In particular, patients are advised not to lift heavy objects or engage in certain activities that overload joints. Additionally, walking aids are provided and appropriate footwear is recommended. A physical therapist will also teach you how to maintain correct posture.

How Can Physiotherapy Help With Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Before starting treatment, a physiotherapist will undertake a physical examination. They will evaluate how you are walking, your activities of daily living, joint range of motion, muscle strength test, posture, and respiratory function. Based on this, the physiotherapist will choose modalities that are best for you.
The different physiotherapy modalities used in treating rheumatoid arthritis include:
  • Hot & Cold Therapy – This is used for both acute and chronic rheumatoid arthritis conditions. Cold packs are usually used in patients with acute conditions, while heat therapy is used in the chronic phase of rheumatoid arthritis. Heat packs are usually applied for 10-20 minutes once or twice a day. The modalities of application of cryotherapy are ice packs, ice, nitrogen spray, and cryotherapy.
  • Hot & Cold Therapy – This is used for both acute and chronic rheumatoid arthritis conditions. Cold packs are usually used in patients with acute conditions, while heat therapy is used in the chronic phase of rheumatoid arthritis. Heat packs are usually applied for 10-20 minutes once or twice a day. The modalities of application of cryotherapy are ice packs, ice, nitrogen spray, and cryotherapy.
  • Hydrotherapy – This technology provides palliative treatment for both acute and chronic conditions.
  • Rehabilitation techniques in the management of rheumatoid arthritis primarily include splinting the affected joint, use of compression gloves, manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and patient

How Can Physiotherapy Help With Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Another type of arthritis is Ankylosing spondylitis (AS). This kind of arthritis affects the spine. Other joints such as hips and shoulders can also be affected, but the sacroiliac joints are most commonly affected. AS can affect other areas of the body, such as the skin, lungs, eyes, and intestines. Onset of AS generally begins between the ages of 15 and 45. AS causes back pain, stiffness, neck pain, and tendon and ligament pain. If diagnosed early, AS can be effectively treated through home physiotherapy.

How Can Physiotherapy Help Manage Arthritis Symptoms?

Physiotherapy or home physiotherapy for arthritis can help in numerous ways. Physiotherapy can lead to better movement control, improved posture and pain management. It can also help with improving functionality levels and reducing future risks.
Arthritis can progress with age, and it is important to successfully manage symptoms with appropriate strategies. Physiotherapy can help with the same. The physiotherapist can create a personalized prevention or management plan for you that can help you cope with arthritis effectively.

Can Physiotherapy Act as A Preventative Measure for Arthritis?

Physiotherapy for arthritis can also act as a preventative measure to reduce the risk of developing osteoarthritis in the first place. Maintaining healthy bones throughout your life requires the right kind of exercise and strength building program. Physiotherapy not only improves existing ailments and conditions, but also helps optimize the body’s joints for the long term. Common types of arthritis like osteoarthritis can effectively be prevented or treated through home exercises for osteoarthritis of the knee, as a part of home physiotherapy for arthritis.

What Are the Benefits Of Choosing Home Physiotherapy for Arthritis?

Opting at home physiotherapy for rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis physiotherapy home exercises has numerous benefits. Here are some of them:
  • Convenient: One of the most important benefits of home physiotherapy for arthritis is convenience. Patients do not need to go to hospitals or clinics for treatment. This is especially useful for patients who are elderly or those who have mobility issues. Through home physiotherapy for arthritis, patients can receive treatment in a space they are most comfortable in – their own home.
  • Personalized Care: Another important advantage of at home physiotherapy for rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis physiotherapy is that it allows for personalized care. Physiotherapists can tailor treatment to each patient’s specific needs, taking into account medical history, current conditions, and lifestyle. Physiotherapists also get the opportunity to see the space you live in. This allows them to make suggestions on how your everyday movements in the house can be improved. This personalized approach can lead to better results and faster recovery times.
  • Cost Efficient: Osteoarthritis physiotherapy at home may cost less than traditional physical therapy in a hospital or clinic. Patients do not have to pay for transportation and there are no additional charges for hospital or clinic visits. Additionally, many health insurance plans cover the cost of physical therapy at home, making it an affordable option for many patients.
  • Reduces Risk Of Infections: Physical therapy at home can reduce the risk of infection because the patient is not exposed to other patients who may have infections. This is especially important for patients recovering from surgery or those with weakened immune systems.
  • Improves Quality of Life: Home physiotherapy can improve a patient’s quality of life by reducing pain, increasing mobility, and improving overall physical function. Patients who receive physical therapy at home often return to their daily activities more quickly. This can have a huge impact on their mental health and well-being.

Home Physiotherapy For Arthritic In Dubai | First Response Healthcare

First Response Healthcare (FRH) is a leading home healthcare company in Dubai, offering a range of healthcare services including home physiotherapy. FRH offers a wide range of physiotherapy treatments including the treatment of arthritis, sports injuries, orthopedics, neurological disorders and respiratory conditions. FRH has a team of highly qualified and experienced physiotherapists who can provide their services at any time of the day or week, including on weekends and holidays. Our physiotherapy services can be offered anywhere within the Emirate of Dubai. Once you book an appointment, our physiotherapist can visit your home, hotel, or office at a time that is convenient for you.
Features that differentiate FRH:
  • Flexible Hours: We are available 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays.
  • Quick & Easy Appointments: Once you call us, we can reach you within 30 minutes.
  • We Can Come To You Anywhere: Our physiotherapy can come to any location within the Emirate of Dubai Emirate.
  • You Can Choose Your Preferred Location: We can provide physical therapy in your home, hotel or office.
  • Personalized Care and Attention: Our physical therapists take the time to listen to you and understand your needs, requirements and expectations before starting physical therapy.
  • We Keep You In Loop: We will send you regular progress reports so you can track your recovery.
  • Relationship-based Therapy: Our team of physical therapists will take the time to develop a caring personal relationship with you to make you feel as comfortable as possible.
FRH’s Physiotherapy Plan Includes The Following:
  • Strength Training
  • Balance Training
  • Therapeutic Massage and Exercises
  • Muscle Imbalance Correction
  • Posture Correction
  • Neuro-developmental Therapy
If you want to book an appointment for home physiotherapy in Dubai, you can simply call on 0505050387 or 800DIALDOC. You can also book an online appointment by visiting our website https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/ae/dubai

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