Physiotherapy for Arthritis in Guelph, Mississauga, & Hamilton

Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints, leading to stiffness, swelling, and tenderness. With over 100 different types, the symptoms and severity can vary greatly depending on the specific type of arthritis.

The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), both involving the breakdown of cartilage but with different underlying causes.

• Osteoarthritis is typically a result of age-related wear and tear on the cartilage, although infection or injury can accelerate the process. It progresses slowly over time before joint damage becomes evident, affecting around 27 million Americans.
• Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the synovium mistakenly attacks and destroys joints, leading to bone and cartilage damage. Joint damage can occur within a few months after the onset of RA symptoms, and approximately 1.5 million US adults have this condition.

Arthritis can affect individuals of all ages, including children and newborns, and a family history of arthritis can increase the risk.

Role of Physiotherapy for Arthritis Treatment

Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the evaluation and treatment of movement dysfunctions associated with arthritis. Physiotherapists, as experts in this field, treat various muscle, joint, and neurological conditions across all age groups. Successful treatment by physiotherapists has been observed in several arthritis-related conditions, such as joint pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, knee arthritis, hip arthritis, shoulder arthritis, and hand arthritis.

When it comes to treatment options, physiotherapy offers advantages such as no side effects, cost-effectiveness, support from clinical research, and a customized approach targeting the underlying cause of the condition.

Arthritis Recovery with Physiotherapy

The recovery process through physiotherapy involves the restoration of joint motion, strengthening of muscles, pain relief, improved function, and promoting independent care. This is achieved through a comprehensive approach that includes a biomechanical evaluation, patient education, a personalized treatment plan, joint mobilization techniques to reduce stiffness, pain-relieving modalities (e.g., ice, heat, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, paraffin wax therapy, laser therpay), targeted muscle stretching, progressive strength training, and balance and functional re-education.

The duration and frequency of physiotherapy treatment may vary for each individual, ranging from a few visits to an extended care plan spanning weeks or months. If you’re seeking long-term relief and wish to address the underlying cause rather than just managing symptoms, physiotherapy can be an effective solution.

If you have arthritis, call Pacific Physiotherapy in Guelph, Mississauga, & Hamilton for a thorough assessment today!