If you suffer from arthritis, then your GP might have recommended that you see a physiotherapist to start a targeted exercise program. How can physiotherapy help here?

1. Get Expert Guidance

While you might already know that exercise can help manage arthritis, you might not be sure how this will work for you. If you are in pain or discomfort, then you might worry about how to exercise safely. You don't want to make things worse.

A physiotherapist can assess your condition and help you find the safest and most effective way to exercise. They can target those areas which give you the most problems. They can help you work within your limits and at your own pace.

You benefit from their expertise. They can give you exercises that make a real difference to your daily life and long-term prognosis.

2. Manage Your Pain and Discomfort

You won't always find it easy to reduce your pain and discomfort if you have arthritis. Medications will only go so far.

Plus, if you aren't getting regular exercise, then you might feel that your body is seizing up. Your joints will simply feel stiffer over time if your arthritis makes you live a sedentary life. Your general health might also suffer if you stop taking any exercise at all.

A physiotherapist can suggest ways to get the right kinds of gentle exercise. For example, they can set up exercise plans to help you strengthen your muscles and joints or to improve flexibility. If you regularly use the parts of your body affected by your arthritis, then they will become looser and more mobile.

So, your pain and discomfort should decrease. Your overall health will also improve if your physiotherapist gets you doing some general aerobic work.

3. Avoid the Need For Surgery

If you don't exercise when you have arthritis, then your condition can only get worse. If you end up with stiffened or damaged joints that really impair your quality of life and ability to manage daily living, then you might need surgery.

If you start working with a physiotherapist now, then you might not have to take this route. Exercises can help you control the progression of your arthritis and its symptoms. You might never get to the surgery stage.

4. Get a Wellbeing Boost

If your arthritis affects your physical abilities, then your mental well-being might take a knock. You might feel low, stressed and depressed when your condition prevents you from doing the things you want to do in life.

Physiotherapy exercises also give you a well-being boost. You'll feel happier, more motivated and less stressed if you take regular exercise.

To get started, make an appointment at a local physiotherapy clinic for an assessment.