People think that natural health care is about ignoring medical science, but it's actually about strengthening your bodies natural defenses so you can heal yourself. Natural health practioners work on alternate therapy like massage and relaxation, and on using the food we eat as medicine for our bodies and souls. Our bodies are amazingly well designed and can heal most issues if we just give them the opportunity. Unfortunately much of the time the modern lifestyle emphasises fast processed food and a fast paced lifestyle that stresses us out and drains us of our strength. This site has my tips for getting your life balanced again and making your body stronger in every way.
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Making your body stronger
4 Physiotherapy Treatments That Can Support Those With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Gene Carroll
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis often have to rely heavily on prescription medication to ease inflammation and pain. However, patients are increasingly seeking drug-free ways to manage their symptoms in a bid to avoid the side effects of their medication. Physiotherapy can be used alone or in combination with medication to help you manage symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis such as stiffness and muscle pain. Here's an overview of four physiotherapy treatments that can be useful to those with rheumatoid arthritis:
4 Physiotherapy Treatments For Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
The following treatments may be recommended by your physiotherapist as part of your overall treatment plan:
- Manual Manipulation - This is a hands-on treatment that involves the physiotherapist using a range of thrusting and stretching techniques to loosen stiff joints and muscles. It shouldn't be painful and you should feel you can move a little freer after a manual manipulation session.
- Conditioning Exercises - Your physiotherapist will show you how to do some gentle conditioning exercises that won't make your existing joint inflammation worse. Conditioning exercises that stretch and strengthen your muscles can improve movement and joint stability.
- Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation - Your physiotherapist can supply you with and show you how to use a small transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) machine. The machine uses electrical pulses to temporarily block pain in the targeted treatment area. You simply place small pads that are connected to the machine on the area of your body you want to treat and turn the machine on. TENS treatment is ideal when you have a busy day to get through, and it can also be used to allow you to complete gentle exercises more comfortably.
- Deep Tissue Massage - When your joints stiffen and cause your muscles to tighten, you can be left with reduced flexibility and painful trapped nerves. Deep tissue massage can release trapped nerves and increase your range of movement. Your physiotherapist can massage trouble zones during your consultations, and if you want to get a massage between appointments, ask them to recommend a suitable massage therapist, as you'll want someone with experience of working with patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Your physiotherapist will assess the impact of rheumatoid arthritis on your overall health and work with you to determine treatment goals such as improving flexibility or retaining your current level of mobility. They may also offer low-impact group exercise sessions designed for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, which can give you the opportunity to connect with other people living with the condition.
If you'd like to find out more about how physiotherapy can help with RA or any other symptoms you may be experiencing, reach out to a local physiotherapy office, like Pro-Fit Physio & Allied Health Centre.
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