If you have a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis, you probably experience some pain in your joints every day. Your doctor may have even told you to go to physical therapy in addition to other medical treatments to help with your condition. These are ways that physical therapy can help you triumph over arthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
This disease is chronic, and it is one of the main reasons to see a rheumatologist as early as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment. It causes inflammation in the joints, but it can also damage your blood vessels, eyes, heart, lungs and skin. This autoimmune disorder causes your body to attack itself. You may eventually experience bone damage and the condition can deform your joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis can result in physical disabilities, but fortunately, medical innovations have created new treatments for this condition.
Strategies for Managing Arthritis
One of the best ways you can use to manage your arthritis is to stay active. When you consistently move your body, particularly your joints, you can reduce your pain. If you keep yourself still, your joints can lock up and inflammation can become exacerbated. However, you may need to adjust the type of exercise you get. For example, you need to choose options that aren’t hard on your joints, such as walking, swimming or bicycling.
In addition, when you remain active, you can prevent or reduce your risk of comorbidities, such as heart disease or diabetes. Exercise and nutrition will help you manage your weight to reduce the pressure on your joints.
Learn management strategies. Some things, such as stress, can have a negative impact on your body and its systems, so you need to learn stress management. You will also likely pursue a pain management program with your physician. Keep communication open so you can take proactive measures to protect your health.
Physical Therapists With Specialized Training
Due to the care you need in your exercise program, you need to work with a physical therapist with specialized training and experience. These professionals at physical therapy Palm Desert need to understand the best exercises and treatments for your condition. They also need to understand that you need to avoid over-straining your joints and body.
PT’s Role in Managing Symptoms
One of the most beneficial roles of your physical therapist is their ability to motivate and encourage you. You may become disappointed or disinterested over time, especially if your condition progresses. Therefore, you may need some encouragement and understanding to encourage you to continue.
Your physical therapist should also plan and teach you stretches and exercises that benefit your joints, increase your flexibility and strength and help you manage your weight. You will learn cardio exercises as well as strength training.
Physical therapy also helps you through massage and heat and ice therapy. Cold therapy encourages reductions in inflammation, while heat can help lubricate joints and reduce pain. Massage also helps with these challenges as it moves toxins and fluids from these painful areas.
These professionals also teach you how to use assistive tools and alternative ways to complete everyday tasks.
If you have a passion for and training to help people manage their physical conditions, you can search for physical therapy jobs near me, and if you have arthritis, find out how physical therapy can help.
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