Physiotherapy for Arthritis

At Healthx we are highly skilled at assessing how arthritis affects joint movement, muscle strength, and physical function. Research demonstrates that specific exercises targeted at improving joint mobility and increasing muscle strength, leading to levels of arthritis pain relief and increased mobility.

Your physiotherapist will:

Assess the affected area and ask about daily activities to assess the impact on your joints

Develop an arthritis treatment plan to safely improve or restore movement and mobility

Help you manage your condition through education and treatment to reduce pain and swelling, strengthen muscles and increase joint mobility without worsening your arthritis symptoms.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is the name for a group of conditions that damage joints causing pain, stiffness and reduced mobility. It affects 34% of British Columbians and nearly four million Canadians 15 years and older –almost one in six people. Arthritis isn’t just an older person’s disease; it can affect children and people in the prime of life. Whether symptoms are mild or severe, arthritis pain relief requires a strategic plan to treat the following symptoms:

• Joint pain and aching
• Joint swelling
• Joint stiffness or reduced movement
• Muscle weakness
• Reduced function

Types of Arthritis

Arthritis is the thinning or destruction of joint cartilage caused by inflammation or excessive wear and tear. There are over 100 different types of arthritis; common forms are:

• Osteoarthritis (usually affects hands and weight-bearing joints like hips, knees, feet, and spine)
• Rheumatoid arthritis (can affect all joints in the body)
• Gout (affects the foot)

Causes of Arthritis

There are many possible contributing factors leading to the need for arthritis treatment. Some of these include:

• Genetics or inheritance
• Weight
• Previous injury or fracture
• Infection
• Overactive immune system

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