Arthritis and Physiotherapy
In rheumatic diseases, which include arthritis, it is essential to stress the importance of physiotherapy.
Physiotherapy works in partnership with the patient to enable them to achieve and maintain optimal function and independence. In most cases, this work will affect all aspects of the patient’s life, from family to work/school and even social life, and will require the active participation of everyone.
In order to achieve these objectives, it is essential to identify several parameters:
- how the condition affects the patient physically and the extent to which their function is affected, including mobility, posture, pain complaints, etc.;
- a thorough physical examination to get a sense of their true limitations and potential;
- take into account any other body systems other than the musculoskeletal system that may be affected;
- understand whether there is a need for any type of technical assistance, which could range from walking aids, to fitted footwear or even other items to make their daily life easier;
- knowledge and understanding of how the patient views and copes with the condition.
Treatment Plan
It is essential to share the assessment with the patient and their carers in order to set real and achievable goals and, from there, to define a treatment plan. This treatment plan varies according to the stage of the disease. In the acute phase, the plan is aimed at controlling pain and inflammation, including treatments such as the use of ice or heat, electrotherapy and hydrotherapy. In the non-acute phase, stretching, strengthening, joint mobilisation, proprioceptive and postural re-education will be used to optimise skills and strategies to reduce the incidence of the acute phase.
The physiotherapist should also inform the patient about their condition and the best strategies for managing it, without forgetting to involve the family and carers throughout the process. This means helping them to understand how best to cope with their condition and teach them how to manage the different stages of the disease on their own.
It is also important to promote functional activities, which include all regular daily activities. To achieve this, the rheumatology patient must always be part of a multidisciplinary team, including not only the physician and the physiotherapist, but also all the other professionals who ensure the best possible outcome in the treatment of these patients.
To ensure the maximum potential of these patients in their family, work/school and social lives, teamwork in the physiotherapy clinic and realistic goals are essential.
The treatment of arthritis and rheumatic diseases should not begin without an initial medical assessment. Com Corpus has a large clinical team at its clinic in Lisbon to ensure proper communication between the physician and the physiotherapist who will treat you. Tests and blood work may be prescribed in order to better identify the pathology. You will need to make a physical and rehabilitation medicine or sports medicine appointment with one of our physiatrists for physiotherapy sessions at Com Corpus.
If you need treatment for arthritis and rheumatic diseases, contact our physiotherapy clinics in Lisbon.
