Who needs physiotherapy?

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The programme may include:

general advice on increasing your activity level, setting goals and finding the right balance between rest and activity

helping you avoid exercise-related injuries by advising on any equipment or training you may need if you’re starting a new activity

a programme of specific graded exercises to improve your fitness, strength, flexibility and mobility – which you can continue to do at home

a course of aquatic therapy (sometimes called hydrotherapy) – exercises in a warm-water pool

advice on techniques and treatments to manage pain – including heat or ice packs, massage, and acupuncture

providing walking aids or splints to help maintain your mobility and independence.

Graded exercise programmes

https://vistaphysiotherapy.ca/acupuncture-calgary/ You can gradually build your strength, stamina, mobility and activity levels by following a graded exercise programme. Your physiotherapist will show you how to start gently and then gradually increase your activity, without straining yourself or adding to your pain.

Your physiotherapist will probably recommend a combination of:

stretching exercises to help ease aches and pains and get the best movement from your joints

strengthening exercises to build or maintain strength in the muscles that support your joints

general fitness exercises, which are important for your general health

proprioceptive exercises, which improve balance, coordination and agility.

Your physiotherapist will be able to advise on classes which may be available locally such as yoga, t’ai chi or Pilates as well as any walking or sports groups in your area.

Some physiotherapists have access to an aquatic therapy (sometimes called hydrotherapy) pool where you can perform exercises in warm water. Many people find it easier to move in water – the warmth is soothing and the water supports your weight so that you can move your joints and muscles without straining them.

Find out more about exercising with arthritis.

Pain relief treatments

Medications will help but a physiotherapist can tell you about other methods of pain relief that work alongside your medications. You’ll be able to continue with some of these treatments yourself between appointments – for example:

ice packs to soothe hot, swollen joints

heat packs to relax tense, tired muscles

splints to support swollen or painful joints