They serve as team coordinators when a team approach to treatment is necessary. If joint pain and inflammation persists even with medication, the PCP is likely to refer an individual to a rheumatologist. The rheumatologist will work closely with the individual to design an individualized treatment program. Pharmacists are often active members of a health care team. They can help you and your doctors set goals, recommend drugs and alternative treatments, and monitor efficacy and side effects once treatment has begun.
Pharmacists can also check how well non-drug therapies work.
Nurses help treat arthritis by assisting physicians and providing support and education to individuals with arthritis. By stressing the importance of these approaches and techniques, nurses help improve an individual's mobility and comfort. Physical therapists can measure joint motion, muscle strength, endurance and the function of the heart and lungs. Physical therapists can therefore teach individuals exercises to help keep muscles strong and joints from becoming stiff. Some physical therapists also are trained to design individualized fitness programs to improve heart health and weight control.