What is it?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease. It often results in pain and inflammation in joints on both sides of the body and can become disabling due to its effect on the immune system [1]. Rheumatoid Arthritis is classified as an autoimmune disease—a condition where the body’s immune system “attacks its own tissues” [1]. Rheumatoid arthritis does not only affect the joints, since the damage can extend to other parts of the body – such as the skin, heart, lungs, kidneys, and more [2]. Individuals with Rheumatoid Arthritis experience flare ups of the symptoms, which can include stiffening of joints, swollen and painful joints, fatigue, fever, redness and tenderness, and sometimes even a loss of movement to the painful region [1,2]. The symptoms often occur on both sides of the body’s joints.

Doctors are still somewhat at a loss for how RA develops. They understand what occurs during the beginning of its formation, they still don’t have full understanding of how this process triggers the development of RA in the first place. Out of both sexes, women are often the most susceptible to developing RA [2]. There are certain populations of individuals most susceptible to Rheumatoid Arthritis. Women are more likely to develop the disease [2]. It occurs predominantly in those of middle age. You have an increased risk if your family member had it. Lifestyle choices, like smoking and developing obesity, can lead to an increased risk [2]. Lastly, people who often exist or work in dangerous environmental conditions have a higher risk of triggering the development of RA.

How Can a Physical Therapist Help?

Physical therapists have a prominent role in the lives of individuals with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Due to their knowledge and experience with disease and ailments of the joints, muscles, and bones of all categories, they know how to create a routine that can help you live life with less pain and more comfort. Physical therapists can assist those with RA in finding a comfortable fitness/exercise routine, learning what movements and postures can alleviate pain during daily activities, and also suggest ways to treat flare-ups when they occur (such as heat packs, etc.). The goal to combat the symptoms is to keep yourself moving and active.

Because the signs and symptoms of RA can vary, the approach to care will also vary. Your physical therapist may provide the following recommendations and care:

Aerobic Activities. Studies have shown that group-based exercise and educational programs for people with RA have beneficial effects on individual strength and function. Studies have also found that RA patients who regularly perform high intensity aerobic exercises end up having healthier joints as they grow older [3]. High intensity exercise was found to improve “functional ability, aerobic fitness, and muscle strength,” all without showing any signs of a worsening of RA [4]. Because having Rheumatoid Arthritis can often affect other parts of the body and put an individual at risk for other diseases such as heart disease, it is vital to maintain regular cardiovascular exercise in your daily life with the help of a physical therapist. There have been additionally studies showing that aerobic activity done in water is a great place to start to RA patients, as the water relieves pressure on the joints and adds warmth to the body [4].

Goal-Oriented Exercise. Studies also show that achievement of personal physical activity goals helps reduce pain and increase the general quality of life in people diagnosed with RA. A physical therapist can help you increase your strength, flexibility, and range of motion – all of which are going to improve an RA patient’s comfort in their daily lives doing a number of various activities [3]. A helpful hand teaching you proper posture and form for daily activities can aid in your ability to function throughout the day without the immense pain that may come from flare-ups in your condition. Additionally, a physical therapist can help you set fitness goals. You can watch yourself improve in strength and stability overtime by having a physical therapist remind you of your progress as you advance – whether its with an increase in time, distance, sets, flexibility increase, and more. All of these are immensely beneficial to feeling more confident and comfortable in your life.

Modalities and Massage. Your physical therapist may use modalities, such as gentle heat and electrical stimulation to help manage your RA symptoms. Additionally, frequent massage therapy has been shown to alleviate symptoms of RA, by increasing flexibility, and will most likely be utilized in addition to your other physical therapy practices.

Can this Condition be Prevented?

Unfortunately, the actual mechanisms that cause RA are not completely understood. As mentioned previously, doctors are still at a loss for what triggers the disease and are not sure how to predict or prevent the development. Early detection of the symptoms will help you and your medical providers begin early management of RA, which may enhance your long-term well-being [1].

Upon diagnosis, your physical therapist will work with you to develop strategies to better understand and manage your symptoms [2]. It is important to still be active, and not allow the stiffness of the joints to take over and cause other damage to your body. Having a physical therapist guide and support you in your journey will be immensely beneficial to having a more comfortable, better quality of life.

By Ashley Gresko

Blog Editing Consultant for Health Industry Designs

Reference:

[1] https://www.moveforwardpt.com/SymptomsConditionsDetail.aspx?cid=f542d61e-c2d9-41d8-a4e0-3495c60912a1#.VZE66htViko

[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353648

[3] https://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/features/ra-physical-therapy

[4]https://www.hopkinsarthritis.org/patient-corner/disease-management/rehabilitation-management-rheumatoid-arthritis-patients/#exercise