3 Benefits Of A Rehabilitation Program For Arthritis

Regardless of the type of arthritis you have, participating in a rehabilitation program starting with the earlier phases of the condition, can help you minimize pain and limitations. Rehabilitation programs incorporate a multifaceted approach to managing symptoms.

1. Customized Approach

The treatment prescribed by your primary care doctor or rheumatologist is an important part of managing arthritis, but it is rarely customized for your individual needs. You will try different medications and see if anything works. Many people, especially those with inflammatory arthritis, have residual problems with pain, inflammation, and limitations because of inadequate treatment response. 

A rehabilitation program will take into account which joints are giving you the most problems and your physical limitations. You might participate in physical therapy so you can learn exercises to help you continue performing your job and maintain daily activities.

2. Incorporation Of Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes can be an important part of managing arthritis, although it will not cure the problem. Some examples include dietary changes and developing an exercise program. Changes in your diet may help reduce inflammation and can help you shed excess weight that will only exacerbate the decline of your joints. 

In many cases, sticking to an exercise program seems impossible when pain is a daily struggle. Rehabilitative professionals can make suggestions for cardiovascular exercises with the least impact on your joints and ways to safely build strength. Swimming is a popular option for people with arthritis because there is less impact on your joints and you are virtually weightless in water. Strengthening major muscles and soft tissues that help support the joint could lead to a reduction in pain because of increased joint stability.

3. Use Of Orthopedic Devices

Having accesses to specially designed supportive devices can also be useful when you have arthritis. If you have inflammatory arthritis, there may be times when a flare-up of the disease causes an exacerbation of pain and limitations in a particular joint. Your rehabilitative team can give you the right orthopedic devices to wear for each joint and make sure they fit properly. 

Additionally, knowing when to use each device and how long to use it can be important. Immobilizing a joint can help reduce pain, but after a certain point, you may need to do light range-of-motion exercises to prevent the joint from becoming stiff and even more painful when you begin to use it again.

Rehabilitative programs for people with arthritis are an invaluable tool that you should add to your current treatment. When combined with standard therapy, you may reduce pain and the incidence of disability. Contact a company like Levi Hospital for more information and assistance. 

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