Dr. Vaishali Suri (P.T.)
Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Autoimmune Joint Disease
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease that primarily attacks the synovial lining of joints, causing inflammation, pain, swelling, and eventual joint destruction. Unlike osteoarthritis, RA affects people of all ages (including young adults) and can affect multiple joints simultaneously. In India, RA affects approximately 0.5–1% of the population, with women affected 3 times more often than men.
The Role of Physiotherapy in RA Management
RA management requires a multidisciplinary approach: rheumatologist-prescribed disease-modifying drugs (DMARDs) control the underlying autoimmune process, while physiotherapy addresses the musculoskeletal consequences. Physiotherapy is recommended in all major international RA management guidelines because it significantly improves function, reduces disability, and protects joints from deformity.
Key Physiotherapy Interventions for RA
Joint Protection Education
Learning joint protection principles is one of the most valuable interventions for RA patients. This includes: using larger joints for tasks (e.g., carrying bags on the forearm rather than fingers), avoiding prolonged static gripping, using assistive devices to reduce joint stress, and modifying daily activities to reduce deforming forces.
Exercise Therapy
Evidence strongly supports both aerobic exercise and resistance training for RA. Exercise reduces pain, improves physical function, reduces cardiovascular risk (elevated in RA), and does NOT worsen disease activity. We design programmes appropriate to disease activity — modified during flares, progressed during remission.
Hydrotherapy
Warm-water exercise is particularly beneficial for RA patients as buoyancy reduces joint loading while water resistance provides effective strengthening stimulus. Many patients find hydrotherapy tolerable even during periods of increased disease activity.
Splinting
Resting splints (worn at night) reduce inflammation in acutely inflamed wrist joints. Working splints provide joint support during functional activities. We assess and provide appropriate splinting where indicated.
Manual Therapy
During remission phases, gentle joint mobilisation maintains range of motion and reduces stiffness. We are careful to avoid mobilisation during acute inflammatory flares.
RA Physiotherapy at Realign Rehab Clinic
At Realign Rehab Clinic, NIT-5, Faridabad, we work alongside your rheumatologist to provide comprehensive physiotherapy that complements your medical management. Book your consultation.