Arthritis impacts over 350 million people worldwide. As a leading cause of disability globally, arthritis pain can pose a frustrating dilemma. It might prevent you from enjoying your regular activities, as well as affect your overall quality of life. However, there is hope.

While there is no cure for arthritis, many treatment options can slow its progression and manage pain—including physiotherapy. A physiotherapist can assess, diagnose, and treat arthritic symptoms, guiding you toward relief. So, what should you know before booking your appointment? How can physiotherapy help manage your arthritis pain? Let’s take a closer look!

What to Expect During a Physiotherapy Visit for Arthritis Pain

For arthritis, physiotherapists aim to help improve mobility, increase joint function, increase strength, and, generally, help you maintain the ability to go about your daily activities. At your first appointment, your physiotherapist assesses your current condition and complaints. From there, they determine an appropriate treatment plan suited to your needs and symptoms.

Typical physiotherapy treatment for arthritis involves:

• Strengthening exercises
• Stretching exercises
• Manual therapy
• Pain reduction modalities
• Education
• And more!

In some cases, your physiotherapist may recommend exercises in the gym with our Exercise Physiologist—isolated, targeted exercise reduces pressure on your joints, making movements less painful while still allowing you to build strength and improve flexibility.

For immediate pain relief, your physiotherapist may also use or recommend:

• Hot and cold therapy—Heat relaxes the muscles and reduces tension; meanwhile, cold therapy helps alleviate pain.
• Dry Needling—This technique can help relieve pain and muscle spasms.
• TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)—Mild electrical currents are non-invasive to block pain signals.
• Mobilisation—This improves blood flow and reduces joint stiffness.

All of the above work together to help you get back to the activities you know and love. Your physiotherapist can further show you how to use assistive devices, such as walkers or canes, when needed. They may also offer recommendations for joint braces or other supports.

What Can You Do At Home?

Here are some tips to help you reduce your pain—for immediate relief and in between your physiotherapy appointments.

• Stay active. Physical activity ensures your joints remain strong and mobile!
• Maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight can place more stress on the joints, leading to more pain and arthritic symptoms.
• Straighten up! Maintaining a good posture can ensure your body weight is evenly distributed across your joints. This can ensure your arthritic joints aren’t taking on more pressure or force than they need to.
• Adjust your diet. Omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, have been shown to reduce inflammation in affected joints potentially. Eating whole foods won’t hurt either; these can help you maintain a healthy weight.
• Quit smoking. Smoking can increase arthritis inflammation and pain.
• Use hot and cold therapy. Your physiotherapist can instruct you on the best approach, helping you relieve pain via all-natural means at home.
• Over-the-counter medication should be used occasionally, such as during flare-ups. These medications should not be taken long-term due to adverse side effects.

Curious about physiotherapy for arthritis? At Turramurra Sports and Spinal Physiotherapy, our team is here to help. We can help guide you through proper management and care, ensuring you manage your symptoms in the best way possible. Contact us today to book your appointment.