What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a painful and degenerative condition marked by inflammation in the joints that causes stiffness and pain. Osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis, gets worse with age and is caused by wear and tear over the years.
How can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy treatment is aimed at:
- reducing pain
- improving movement
- strengthening important muscles
- improving function & assisting with independence
What methods do we use?
Massage Therapy.
Studies on the effects of arthritis treatments have shown that regular use of massage can lead to improvements in pain, stiffness, range of motion, hand grip strength and overall function of the joints. People with arthritis who experience chronic symptoms may consider using massage therapy regularly to help manage their pain and stiffness, or to promote better sleep that can in turn relieve pain in muscles and joints, At NorthWest Physio + we can teach people diagnosed with hand or wrist arthritis how to effectively massage their sore joints daily at home.
Exercise.
Though you might think exercise will aggravate your joint pain and stiffness, that's not the case. Lack of exercise actually can make your joints even more painful and stiff. Beneficial exercises can include range-of-motion exercises, strengthening exercises, aerobic exercise and other activities based around your daily routines. At NorthWest Physio + we will work with you to develop an exercise plan that gives you the most benefit with the least aggravation of your joint pain.
Thermal (heat treatments).
The therapeutic effects of heat include increasing the extensibility of collagen tissues, decreasing joint stiffness, reducing pain, relieving muscle spasms and reducing inflammation.
Manual therapy.
Mobilisation & manipulation techniques are specific passive movements applied to joints & soft tissues to help restore full movement to a joint that is painful and restricted.
Hydrotherapy.
Hydrotherapy (pool therapy) is a very useful means of exercising arthritic joints using the buoyancy of water to assist / resist movement.
Studies on the effects of arthritis treatments have shown that regular use of massage can lead to improvements in pain, stiffness, range of motion, hand grip strength and overall function of the joints. People with arthritis who experience chronic symptoms may consider using massage therapy regularly to help manage their pain and stiffness, or to promote better sleep that can in turn relieve pain in muscles and joints, At NorthWest Physio + we can teach people diagnosed with hand or wrist arthritis how to effectively massage their sore joints daily at home.
Exercise.
Though you might think exercise will aggravate your joint pain and stiffness, that's not the case. Lack of exercise actually can make your joints even more painful and stiff. Beneficial exercises can include range-of-motion exercises, strengthening exercises, aerobic exercise and other activities based around your daily routines. At NorthWest Physio + we will work with you to develop an exercise plan that gives you the most benefit with the least aggravation of your joint pain.
Thermal (heat treatments).
The therapeutic effects of heat include increasing the extensibility of collagen tissues, decreasing joint stiffness, reducing pain, relieving muscle spasms and reducing inflammation.
Manual therapy.
Mobilisation & manipulation techniques are specific passive movements applied to joints & soft tissues to help restore full movement to a joint that is painful and restricted.
Hydrotherapy.
Hydrotherapy (pool therapy) is a very useful means of exercising arthritic joints using the buoyancy of water to assist / resist movement.
How does physio fit with my medical treatment?
Your doctor assists with the medical side of your treatment, while we assist with the physical side. We will work closely with you and your doctor to share information and review your treatment. Contact us today at NorthWest Physio + for professional service and advice and to arrange a consultation.
Call 09 412 2945 or leave your details on our contact page or make an appointment via our online booking service.
Call 09 412 2945 or leave your details on our contact page or make an appointment via our online booking service.