Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment
Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to attack the lining of the joints, leading to pain, swelling and stiffness. Mornings can be the hardest part of the day, with joints feeling stiff and swollen before they loosen up, and everyday tasks like opening jars or climbing stairs can start to feel much harder than they used to.
The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but it happens when the immune system mistakenly targets the synovium, the tissue lining your joints. This triggers inflammation that can gradually damage cartilage and bone if it isn’t managed well. Genetics, smoking and certain environmental factors are all thought to play a part in who develops it. It commonly affects the hands, wrists and feet first, though it can spread to larger joints such as the knees and shoulders, and it shares some overlap with conditions like fibromyalgia in how the immune system drives joint inflammation.
Our Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Physiotherapy can’t stop the underlying autoimmune process, but it plays a huge part in keeping your joints moving and your muscles strong around them, which takes pressure off the joints themselves. At your assessment, we’ll look at which joints are most affected and build a gentle, progressive exercise plan to maintain range of movement and reduce stiffness. Hydrotherapy is often particularly useful here, as the warm water supports the joints while you move, and massage therapy can help ease tension in the muscles surrounding affected joints. On days when symptoms allow, sports therapy supports safe strengthening so flare-ups don’t undo your progress. We’ll also cover joint protection techniques and pacing strategies so you can manage flare-ups without losing the progress you’ve made.
Rheumatoid arthritis tends to come and go in flares, so treatment is ongoing rather than a fixed course, with your plan adjusted as your symptoms change.
Why Choose True Physio?
Expert Physiotherapy Team
All of our Physiotherapists are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), which means that they fulfil the highest standards of practice required by law. They are also a part of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), demonstrating our commitment to delivering outstanding expertise.
Initial Assessment
At your initial assessment at True Physio, we will find out where your pain comes from and what your goal is before forming a plan to help you achieve that. Our clinicians will take the time to understand your condition, do a detailed assessment, and explain to you the nature of the problem you have. Treatment plans are created with your lifestyle in mind.
Book your appointment now or contact your nearest True Physio clinic to discuss how we can help.
