Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack the joint lining, resulting in pain and deformities. RA is incurable, and the root cause is unknown, though researchers believe genetics, sex, lifestyle choices, and family history all contribute to the onset of the illness.
With no cure, patients must look to medication and therapy to help them manage symptoms and pain. Physical therapy near me uses a combination of techniques and occupational therapy to help RA patients manage and adapt to their condition.
Improving the Condition and Conserving Energy
While curing the disease is currently impossible, patients can improve their condition and reduce the risks of painful symptoms by learning how to conserve energy and use their bodies in more productive ways. Physical therapy Kyle, TX, focuses on helping patients maintain flexibility and mobility.
Strength training is also crucial to reducing the symptoms of RA. By building supportive muscle around the affected joints, patients can reduce impacts and lighten the load on their joints. Also, with exercise and proper nutrition, patients can shed a few pounds to further ease the strain on their joints.
Also, in physical therapy, patients will learn how to move and act in their new bodies. By learning how to walk, balance, or pick things up, patients learn how to conserve their energy. Conserving energy means they have more energy to burn during peak movement times.
Occupational Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Occupational therapy for RA is all about learning how to move and maintain function with your weakening joints. The therapy may also include exercises to strengthen key muscle groups, which can limit joint abuse and damage. However, the main takeaway from an occupational physical therapist San Antonio is lifetime function and guidance.
As people age, their systems weaken, including muscle and bone structure. People with RA may suffer from more rapid degradation than other aging people. An occupational therapist works to develop a specific routine catered to individual patient needs. For example, if RA affects a patient’s knees more than anything, the PT specialist will probably focus on walking, standing, and sitting exercises to help the patient build critical muscles. Alternatively, if the patient has RA that predominantly affects the hands, the PT may focus on writing exercises and finding the proper tools.
Mainly, PT is about catering exercises and therapy to an individual’s specific needs; it is not a one-size-fits-all approach. RA patients often need individual attention and programs to ensure they live a happy and whole life.
Rheumatoid arthritis can be a terrifying diagnosis, especially if you learn of it when you are younger. While you cannot stop the progression of the illness, it is possible to slow it down, especially with the correct information and exercises. If you want to learn more about how a physical therapist can help with your RA diagnosis, call a local physical therapy practice and schedule a consultation. While on the phone, you can ask questions about your condition as well as what to expect from PT.
