Written By: Prerna Mittra | Updated : September 9, 2024 2:01 PM IST
Medically Verified By: Dr Vishal Lapshia, joint replacement and arthroplasty surgeon at AIMS Hospital, Dombivli
Physiotherapy not only helps with physical rehabilitation, but also psychological well-being. (Photo: Freepik)
Arthritis is a painful condition that affects many people around the world, and is mostly associated with age. Living with this condition means pain, swelling, and stiffness in a joint or multiple joints. A debilitating condition, it affects the quality of life by restricting an individual's movements. Arthritis happens when the cartilage that cushions the joints breaks down, leading to bone-on-bone contact, which can be painful. The most common causes include:
As mentioned earlier, joint pain and stiffness is a common symptom of arthritis, followed by swelling and redness, reduced range of motion, warmth around the affected joint, etc.
According to Dr Vishal Lapshia, joint replacement and arthroplasty surgeon at AIMS Hospital, Dombivli, physiotherapy is a 'vital component' of arthritis treatment. "Staying physically active will help one manage the symptoms of arthritis and do their daily activities with ease. Carefully-monitored movements by a physiotherapist during the sessions will help to strengthen joints as well as muscles," he said.
The doctor listed the following three health benefits of undergoing physiotherapy, after one has been diagnosed with arthritis:
"For arthritis patients, integrating physiotherapy exercises into their daily routine not only alleviates pain but also enhances overall joint function. Low-impact exercise will help with flexibility and strengthen the muscles surrounding the joints," the doctor stated, adding that walking, strength-training, stretching, aerobics, and yoga can improve balance and coordination.
"Try to exercise at least 4 days a week for 30 minutes and then gradually increase the time to 45 minutes. Adhere to the instructions given by the physiotherapist and you will be able to manage arthritis," Dr Lapshia concluded.
