Rheumatism physiotherapy treatment: what you need to know
Rheumatism is a collective term for various inflammatory diseases that primarily affect the joints, but can also affect other organs. Rheumatism can lead to pain, stiffness, restricted movement and permanent damage. Early and effective treatment is therefore important in order to maintain or improve the quality of life of those affected.
The treatment of rheumatism consists of various components that are individually tailored to the diagnosis and the needs of the patient. In addition to medication that inhibits inflammation and modulates the immune system, physiotherapy plays an important role in the treatment of rheumatism. It can help to promote mobility, alleviate pain, strengthen the muscles and prevent or correct misalignments.
In this article, you can find out more about the different forms of physiotherapy for rheumatism, how they work and what you should bear in mind.
What is physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is a form of therapy that deals with the human body's ability to move. It includes various methods aimed at maintaining, restoring or improving physical functions. Physiotherapy can be used both preventively and rehabilitatively.
Physiotherapy is carried out by specially trained professionals, the physiotherapists. They draw up an individual treatment plan for each patient based on a thorough medical history and examination. Treatment usually takes place in a practice or clinic, but can also take place as a home visit or in group courses.
Physiotherapy can have different objectives depending on the condition or limitation. The most common goals include
- Pain relief
- Improving mobility
- Strengthening the muscles
- Improving coordination
- Improving posture
- Improving stamina
- Improving breathing function
- Improving relaxation
- Improvement of well-being
What forms of physiotherapy are available for rheumatism?
Physiotherapy for rheumatism can take various forms, depending on the disease and the symptoms. The most common forms include
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is a form of physiotherapy that involves targeted exercises for individual body parts or the entire body. The exercises are designed to improve mobility, strengthen muscles, train coordination and increase fitness. The exercises are guided and monitored by the physiotherapist and can be adapted as required. Physiotherapy can be carried out both individually and in groups.
Physiotherapy is particularly important for rheumatic diseases that affect the joints, such as rheumatoid arthritis or spondyloarthritis. The exercises can help to maintain or restore joint function, reduce pain and prevent or correct misalignments.
Manual therapy
Manual therapy is a form of physiotherapy that deals with the mobilization of joints and soft tissue. It involves manually applying targeted impulses or stretches to the affected tissue in order to release blockages, relieve tension and stimulate blood circulation. Manual therapy can be both active and passive, i.e. the patient can participate in the movements or allow the physiotherapist to move them.
Manual therapy can be used for various rheumatic diseases to improve mobility and relieve pain. There is a special feature for spondyloarthritis such as ankylosing spondylitis, where manual therapy primarily promotes mobility and respiratory function of the spine and chest. Manipulation techniques, i.e. short impulses to release blocks, should be avoided as they can increase the risk of injury.
Water gymnastics
Aquagym is a form of physiotherapy that takes place in water. It involves exercises for the whole body that promote mobility, muscles, coordination and endurance. The water provides a resistance that intensifies the exercises, but also a buoyancy that relieves the joints. Water gymnastics can be performed both individually and in groups.
Water gymnastics is particularly suitable for patients with rheumatism who suffer from severe pain or restricted mobility. The water enables gentle and effective exercise therapy that is easy on the joints and relieves pain.
Heat and cold therapy
Heat and cold therapy are forms of physiotherapy that work with temperature stimuli. Heat or cold applications are applied to the affected tissue to promote blood circulation, stimulate muscle and nerve fibers and relieve pain. Heat and cold therapy can be applied both locally and to the whole body.
Heat and cold therapy can be used to improve the symptoms of various rheumatic diseases. However, attention should be paid to individual tolerance. While heat usually has a relaxing and beneficial effect, it can be counterproductive in the case of acute inflammation. Cold, on the other hand, can help with acute pain, but can also lead to tension.
Massages
Massages are forms of physiotherapy that use manual stimuli to affect the tissue. Various techniques such as stroking, kneading or tapping are used to promote blood circulation, relieve tension and alleviate pain. Massages can be performed both locally and on the whole body.
Massages can be used to improve the symptoms of various rheumatic diseases. However, attention should be paid to the pressure and duration. Massages that are too strong or too long can irritate or damage the tissue.
Electrotherapy
Electrotherapy is a form of physiotherapy that works with electrical stimuli. Electrodes are attached or held to the affected tissue, which emit electrical currents or impulses. These are intended to stimulate blood circulation, stimulate muscle and nerve fibers and relieve pain. Electrotherapy can be applied both locally and to the whole body.
Electrotherapy can be used to improve the symptoms of various rheumatic diseases. However, attention should be paid to the intensity and frequency. Electrotherapy that is too strong or too frequent can irritate or damage the tissue.
Joint protection and self-help training
Joint protection and self-help training are forms of physiotherapy that deal with adapting everyday life to the disease.