Arthritis is a common condition among the elderly. It involves swelling, stiffness, and soreness in joints. Which can reduce mobility and create extreme difficulty with standing up and moving.
It can also lead to secondary complications. Such as stiff muscles and trapped nerves. When you are diagnosed with arthritis, you should seek out physiotherapy.
Why? Because physiotherapy can improve the function of the affected joints. While also alleviating discomfort and reducing swelling. So, you can get the spring in your step back without the need for medications. Though, if you have severe arthritis pain, you may need to take medication to help with daily life.
What are the benefits of undertaking physiotherapy to help with arthritis? Read on to find out.
Advice
Your physiotherapist will have worked with cases like yours before. So, they will have expert knowledge on how best to help with the symptoms that you are experiencing.
They will be able to advise you on which activities to do at home. Along with what foods to avoid. Which motions to avoid; and, of course, which exercises to avoid. They will also be able to refer you to other specialists if they feel you need more specific help. So, it is well worth spending some time getting to know your physiotherapist.
Keeps you active
It may seem contradictory. You are experiencing discomfort. So, you will want to take some weight off of your feet.
With arthritis management, this is not wise. It can worsen the swelling and inflammation.
Physiotherapy allows you to exercise in a targeted way, at your own pace, to keep you active. This will help to increase blood flow to the joints and reduce inflammation.
If you need a bit of support while exercising, why not opt for a strap or knee brace? There are many available online. These will be able to support the joints and soft tissues while you work out.
Increased muscular strength
As mentioned before, if you have arthritic pain, it can be tempting to stop moving around. Although, this is not wise.
It can lead to muscle wastage. Which can heighten the destabilization of the joint. Worsening the discomfort, swelling, and damage.
Physiotherapy can help to strengthen muscles around the affected joint. Thus helping the area to become more stable and to recover. This will help you with exercise and general wellbeing. Along with helping you to better manage arthritis flares.
Weight loss
It should come as no surprise that weight plays a part in arthritis.
If you are overweight, it can put additional pressure on your joints. Especially in the lower back, hips, and knees. Physiotherapy every week will help you to lose weight, and then maintain a healthier weight.
If you perform exercises at home, this can also help to keep those pounds off. Thus, improving the arthritic pain and reducing the pressure.
Access to aids
Your physiotherapist will be able to prescribe you walking aids. They will also be able to prescribe other mobility tools. Which could be hard to get hold of online. Or could be very expensive.
These aids will help you to stay mobile and to retain your independence. All while helping you to manage your arthritis.
