Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common bone and joint disorder. It is an autoimmune disease. It causes swelling, pain, and discomfort in the joints. This condition can last for the short term or long term. Long-term untreated or unmanaged rheumatoid arthritis can give rise to several other diseases as well. The most common body part which is affected by rheumatoid arthritis is the knees and second hands. Medicines, restricted foods, and exercise are really helpful in managing or treating rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Apart from these physiotherapy plays a vital role in treating the condition. Physiotherapy is way effective in treating short-term to long-term arthritis symptoms but it takes time. 

Physiotherapy can help manage and reduce your symptoms in a number of ways. 

• pain control
• Reduce inflammation and joint stiffness 
• Help you to return to your normal activities of daily living or sports
• Reduce tiredness
• Increase range of movements at joints 
• Increase muscle strength
• Relaxation
• Improve cardiovascular fitness levels

Doing anything over or in excess can increase your pain. Listen to your physiotherapist, he can advise you on your activity level. You need to have the right balance between exercise (motion) and rest.

To remain active is very important for any RA patient. Many people are afraid that exercise will increase their pain or cause further damage to their joints, but your joints are designed to move and the muscles and tissues around them become weaker if they’re not used. Not doing any exercise will reduce mobility and independence and will make your joints stiffer and more compact. 

Benefits of doing exercise while you have rheumatoid arthritis

• Increases your general fitness and stamina
• Help you to lose weight or keep to a healthy weight
• Strengthens your muscles and joints
• Improve your general mobility
• Make you feel more self-confident. 
• Stimulate the production of your body’s own natural pain-relieving hormones (endorphins).

RA can cause moderate to intense pain in one particular part of the body or in joints or muscles. Physiotherapists can guide you about other methods to relieve pain simultaneously with medications and PT. Physiotherapists can ask you to use ice packs to soothe hot, swollen joints. Heat packs can be used to relax tense and tired muscles. 

(Disclaimer: The content on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be taken as professional medical advice.  Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other health professionals for any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.)