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Overview
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory rheumatic disease in which the immune system attacks the body's own joint tissues. It usually affects small joints such as those of the hand, wrist, and fingers symmetrically, that is, on both sides at once. Over time, pain, swelling, and stiffness may appear in the joints, and deformities may develop in the later period.
The medical treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is carried out by a rheumatology physician. Physiotherapy accompanies this treatment and aims to manage pain, preserve joint mobility, and improve the person's daily quality of life. We approach the process holistically, in a way that supports the drug treatment.
Causes
Although the exact cause of the disease is not fully known, the factors thought to play a role in its emergence are:
- Autoimmune process — the immune system mistakenly attacking the joint lining (synovium).
- Genetic predisposition — a family history of rheumatic disease.
- Sex and age — being seen more frequently in women and in the middle-age period.
- Environmental factors — habits such as smoking being thought to increase the risk.
- Hormonal and infectious factors — factors suggested to be possible triggers.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis:
- Symmetrical pain and swelling in the joints, especially on both sides
- Joint stiffness that is particularly pronounced in the mornings and lasts a long time
- Increased warmth and tenderness in the affected joints
- Reduced range of motion and weakened grip strength
- Fatigue, tiredness, and a general feeling of malaise
- Joint deformities in the advanced period
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is made by evaluating the physician's detailed history, physical examination, and laboratory findings together. During the examination, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, and symmetrical involvement of the joints are examined.
Blood tests (inflammatory markers such as rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP, sedimentation rate, and CRP) complete the picture; X-ray and, when necessary, MRI show joint damage. In the physiotherapy process, we also base our approach on the physical examination; at each session we assess the current state of the joint and adjust the application according to the patient's tolerance on that day.
Treatment
Treatment in rheumatoid arthritis is multifaceted, and drug treatment is carried out by the physician. Physiotherapy accompanies this treatment; the aim is to reduce pain, preserve joint mobility, and maintain function. The main approaches:
- Joint-protective exercises — work that preserves range of motion without straining the joint.
- Muscle strengthening — light and controlled programs that protect the muscles supporting the joint.
- Manual therapy — gentle soft-tissue and mobilization techniques that reduce stiffness.
- Physical therapy agents — hot-cold applications to reduce pain and stiffness.
What We Do
First, our physician assesses the current state of the joints through examination and plans the physiotherapy program according to the patient's disease stage. During flare-up (active) periods of the disease, we keep our approach more protective and gentle.
Our expert physiotherapists release tight and stiff tissues with clinical massage and gentle mobilization techniques. In suitable cases, dry needling may be applied by our physician to tight trigger points. As pain and stiffness decrease, we aim to preserve mobility and strength with fully personalized exercises that protect the joint.
When necessary, we apply supportive kinesiology taping. Our principle is always the same: there is no disease, there is a patient. For this reason, we shape the program according to the person's complaint and their condition on that day, and we do not leave our client alone throughout the process.