Arthritic & Joint pain

There are more than 170 types of arthritis. Strictly speaking, the term “Arthritis” means inflammation of the joint, but is commonly used to refer to joint pain generally. There are two basic types of arthritis: that relating to wear and tear of the cartilage (osteoarthritis), and that involved with inflammation of the joint, resulting from an over-active immune system (such as rheumatoid arthritis). Approximately 350 million people worldwide suffer from Arthritis, and, surprisingly, over half of these sufferers are under 65 years of age.

Sources of the problem
Part of the problem in dealing with Arthritis is that it is extremely difficult to pinpoint the original cause of the disease. Often the first symptom of Arthritis is stiffness in the joints first thing in the morning or after sitting for a long time. Often, the joints causing pain can be warmer than other joints. However, early and accurate diagnosis is essential in preventing permanent damage and disability. How it can be treated, and what to expect at the physiotherapy clinic Living with arthritis can be a pain, quite literally. But apart from the medical treatment, there is much that can be done to make living with arthritis easier. The physiotherapist will be able to advise you on how to adapt your daily life to ease the symptoms. This will include:

How to use stronger joints to carry things, and what assistive devices are available for painful tasks.
A range of motion exercises and strengthening exercises that are good for Arthritis.
Diet advice on issues such as calcium and Vitamin C.

Prevention methods
Since it is difficult to pinpoint the causes of Arthritis, and also difficult to assess those with a higher than average risk of developing the disease, it can be difficult to prevent. Clearly, issues such as excessive and repetitive heavy lifting, or gym work, can exacerbate joint wear and tear, as can poor posture or excessive weight. Your physiotherapist will devise an individual programme for you, designed to tackle your weak areas, and restore normal movement and reduce pain as much as possible.

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Back Pain

Nearly two thirds of the population of the UK have experienced back pain which affects their ability to carry out daily tasks such as lifting or bending. 2.5 million people suffer back pain every day of the week. More working days are lost in this country through back pain than for any other reason.

Sources of the problem

It is not surprising that our backs cause most of the problems. Muscles in the back come into play during almost all movements we make, working against gravity to move us in the way we want to move. Back problems can be caused by acute and specific causes such as a fall or a road accident, but are more commonly caused by a gradual build-up of symptoms which increase over time. There is generally a fundamental difference in the treatment of back pain caused by injury than that caused by a condition such as rheumatoid arthritis or Ankylosing spondylitis.

How it can be treated, and what to expect at the physiotherapy clinic

Although there are a range of measures you can take to prevent back pain and to ease the symptoms, the Chartered Physiotherapist’s extensive training in anatomy and physiology means we are all experts in helping you understand what’s gone wrong, and how best to treat it. The most common causes of chronic pain are muscular or involve ligaments, joints, a trapped nerve or a disc. When you visit the Physiotherapist, they will carry out an extensive assessment before commencing treatment. This will include a discussion about your work, your leisure activities, and other aspects which could have caused the pain. You can expect a treatment which does not involve drugs, injections or complex machinery. Physiotherapy is still largely a hand-on profession. We will look at mobilisation of the joints of the spine, to see whether this causes or relieves the pain.

Massage helps to relieve spasm, increase circulation to the injured areas and help speed up the healing process. To some extent it is also down to you, you will be asked to carry out specific exercises to strengthen muscles and improve muscle support. Pilates exercises are effective in toning up your deep stomach muscles. Our physiotherapists are trained in Pilates and can give you individual advice and exercises.

Prevention methods

Don’t bend over for long periods of time, or bend when you could kneel or squat

Always warm up before you do any sport or exercise

Take time to improve your muscle tone, contract your stomach muscles for a few minutes each day

Always gently stretch backwards when you stand after having been bent over for some time

Whenever you sit, keep an eye on your posture to ensure your back is straight. Adjust your chair if necessary If lifting heavy or awkward objects, do bend your knees, not your back

Above all, call us! Whether it is to discuss your symptoms, or to discuss various aspects of your treatment, we will be happy to help.

Arthritic & Joint Pain

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Back Pain