Physical therapy is important for athletes that are facing injuries from their sport or exercising, but it is also important and helpful for many other ailments. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the many cases where physical therapy can help. Physical Therapy can help you move better, get stronger, and may even mean less pain.
One important thing is to talk with your rheumatologist and pick out goals that you are wanting to achieve. Start with smaller goals like holding your kids or grandkids, or increasing mobility. By picking out goals you will be able to tell your physical therapist what kind of therapy plan you are looking for to reach your goals. Physical therapist can help RA patients with moves and stretches to increase mobility and range of motion.
One way to help your RA is to make sure that you are staying active regardless of your situation. Previous studies concluded that high-impact exercise could be damaging, but it turns out that staying active will actually keep your joints and muscles stronger and healthier as you get older. RA can contribute to heart disease so it is important to keep a healthy heart. But working through some aerobic exercises here at Oahu Spine & Rehab you will be increasing cardiovascular involvement which will help prevent heart disease.
One of the best reasons to work with a physical therapist during your exercises is that you will have the support of a professional. Our physical therapy team here at OSR in Kailua will be able to help you create the perfect plan for your body that assures that you won’t be moving too fast, too soon (which could lead to more pain). The PT team here also will teach you how to do moves at home on your own so that when you are feeling stiff, you will remember the moves taught to you here at Oahu Spine & Rehab and be able to ease your own pain.
Let OSR help make you the best version of yourself and don’t let your Rheumatoid arthritis take control of your life! Give us a call today at 488-5555 or Contact Us!
Resources:
https://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/features/ra-physical-therapy?page=2