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Physical therapy includes exercises; massage and rest that are the most important parts of arthritis treatment. Exercise strengthens muscles and tendons so that they can effectively support the joints. Proper rest helps the patient by providing relief from strain on affected joints but resting too much further results in pain while moving the joints and muscles. A good balance between rest and exercise should be maintained for good results. Gentle massage of the inflamed joints helps in reducing the pain and swelling. It relieves tension and provides relaxation to the affected area.
Physical therapy is a specific type of exercise. Physical therapy helps in keeping the joints flexible and also protects the joints from further damage and injuries. It is often recommended in addition to exercises that can be performed at home. There are many physical therapy hospitals and centers with professional physical therapists.
The main goal of physical therapy is to help the patient in performing the daily activities with less pain and discomfort. Therefore, the primary focus of the physical therapy is to increase the movement of joints. It provides many exercises that help in strengthening the muscles around the joints resulting in easy movement of the joints. Every tissue in the body requires certain foods or nutrients to work effectively. Many tissues have arteries that provide essential foods to them but it is not possible in the case of joint cartilage. It is the movement that brings the nourishment to the joint cartilage by the synovial fluid. Exercise is important to promote good joint nutrition.
Swimming is a good exercise for the patients with arthritis. It is easier to exercise and move in the water .
Types of exercises
Physical therapists prescribe different types of exercises depending on the type and degree of arthritis. Basically there are two types of exercises- active and passive. In active exercises the patient is assisted with physical therapists that helps to increase both movement of a joint and strength of the muscles. In passive exercises the therapists move the patients arm, hand and leg through normal movement with less strain on the joints and muscles. But both these exercises are for the patients with less joint damage.
The main types of exercises are:
Stretching (range-of-motion) Exercises
Strengthening (resistance) Exercises
Positioning Exercises
Also read about :
Massage
Massage Techniques
Massage Oil
Massage Benefits
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