Pain, stiffness and inflammation are hallmarks of arthritis, which is not a single disease but a range of 150 or more separate conditions. Osteoarthritis is essentially a degenerative process with symptoms including pain, stiffness, muscle weakness and cramps or muscle spasm around the affected joint. Rheumatoid arthritis is a complex, frequently progressive disease which is characterised by inflammation and joint deterioration. Some patients with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis find exercise, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and rest can help, but medication may often be required under a doctor's supervision. Although cures are possible in some forms of arthritis, the basis of much therapy recommended by doctors is to control the disease and therefore the symptoms.
Exercise is an important management strategy.
There are many other strategies to choose from in living with arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions. Explore them by clicking on the buttons on the left. In spite of limited scientific evidence of effectiveness or precise mode of action, a broad range of treatments are successfully used by the physiotherapist to treat pain, stiffness, increase muscle strength and maintain joint mobility. These commonly include heat, cold, ultrasound and electrical treatments such as TENS and interferential. The treatments are often used in combination with an individual exercise programme, massage, joint mobilisation and postural assessment.