Physical Therapy

Physical therapy for arthritis focuses on the concept of getting people functionally back to normal — or as close to it as possible. In the narrowest sense, physical therapy concentrates only on "shake" (massage), "bake" (hot packs) and movement therapies. The broader concept is rehabilitation, which has essentially five major components:
 

• Repair or fix the problem, if possible
• Control the pain
• Get the range of motion back
• Get the tissue health to an optimal level (which means working on the aerobic health capacity)
• Strengthen

Various types of hands-on physical therapy approaches are available, beginning with basic range of motion techniques, light or deep massage, and more specific manual therapy such as manipulation of joints or organs or the directed movement of deep fibrous and muscular tissues as in Rolfing. In addition, various kinds of active therapist-directed and self-directed stretching exercises also help arthritis patients. Pilates exercises, for example, have become very popular as a self-directed way to stretch body tissue.

Exercise and Arthritis Pain

Until recently, arthritis sufferers were advised to rest their painful, inflamed joints. But gradually, doctors have learned that exercise can be beneficial. Exercise strengthens muscles, ligaments and tendons, which compensates for weakened joints; flushes fluids cartilage, drawing nutrients in and toxins out; stimulates healthy cell regeneration, and limbers and tones the entire body. Many forms of exercise are beneficial, including stretching, bicycling, low-impact aerobics, dancing, golf, walking, water calisthenics, yoga, tai chi and even climbing stairs.

Comments: Go slowly but consistently. Three to four times a week, for a total of three to four hours, is the ultimate goal. Start easy. Build up gradually. Listen to your body and don't force it to do something that is painful, such as sitting cross-legged for yoga. If you are suffering from severe arthritis, heart disease or other health problems, work with your healthcare professional to develop a safe exercise program. Most experts agree that if exercise causes pain that lasts more than one hour, you have exercised too much.

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) and Physical Therapy

In addition to exercise, keeping the back as straight as possible is critically important in Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). A physical therapist can teach a person with AS how to maintain posture and exercises to strengthen the back.
 

The Feldenkrais Method

The Feldenkrais method is a type of bodywork that uses gentle movements to promote personal awareness of the body, increase flexibility and improve coordination. One of the key philosophies of the Feldenkrais method is that there is no separation between the mind and body and that, as the body strengthens and gains new forms of movement, the mind will also strengthen and improve.

Unlike manipulative physical therapies such as massage or Rolfing, Feldenkrais practitioners generally view the work as a way to expand one’s knowledge of self and promote the connection between the mind and the body. Classes – called “Awareness through Movement” – focus on teaching small, precise movements that can be beneficial to people of all fitness levels and abilities. One-on-one Feldenkrais is called “Functional Integration.” Many people find the experience relaxing and helpful.

For more information, please see our full article on the Feldenkrais Method or visit www.feldenkrais.com.