Physiotherapy is an important form of treatment to combat the pain and discomfort caused by arthritis. It should be performed preferably 5 times a week, with a minimum duration of 45 minutes per session. The goals of physiotherapy for arthritis are:
- decrease pain and discomfort; improve range of motion; prevent and halt joint deformities; maintain or increase muscle strength and ensure the performance of daily activities independently.
See some exercises that can be performed at home, in this video:
How is physiotherapy for arthritis
To achieve the objectives mentioned above, the physiotherapist can basically use 3 methods, electrotherapy to combat pain, moist heat to help deflame the joint and exercises to gain joint amplitude and muscle strengthening.
The bags of warm water, whirlwind and paraffin baths, are some examples of treatment with moist heat, which serve to treat arthritis in the hands, wrists, feet or ankles due to the ease of application of the technique. Moist heat is capable of increasing local metabolism, improving blood circulation, decreasing pain, facilitating movements and, consequently, fighting inflammation, allowing a better performance of movements with the affected joint.
After the use of moist heat, one must resort to techniques to increase the joint and muscle range of the affected region through joint mobilization, gain of range of motion and stretching. Depending on the individual's evolution, specific exercises to gain strength with the use of rubber bands and / or weights should be started after each treatment.
Heat can be exchanged for ice, but ice does not always achieve as good results as the first. It is up to the physiotherapist after evaluating the individual to decide which is the best therapeutic approach for him.
Home treatment for arthritis
The home treatment for arthritis is to avoid efforts and bad postures, but you shouldn't just sit or lie down all day. It is important to have an active life to ensure minimal muscle effort and improve blood circulation. In the case of arthritis in the hands, a great home treatment is to dip your hands in a basin of warm water for 20 minutes and then open and close your hands and fingers several times in a row on days when you don't have physical therapy.
Check out a good natural remedy for arthritis
Arthritis Exercises
In a more advanced treatment phase, where the individual feels less pain and is already able to perform some type of strength with the affected muscles, regular physical exercises such as swimming, for example, which will strengthen the muscles, should be indicated. without harming the joints being well tolerated and achieving great results.
Other exercises recommended for arthritis sufferers are water aerobics, Pilates and Tai chi.
