Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Treatment & Relief In Dublin, Ireland
Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis In Dublin, Ireland
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes pain, tenderness, and stiffness in the joints. At Dublin Chiropractic & Physiotherapy, our main goal when working with clients with rheumatoid arthritis is to help ease symptoms and improve the quality of life for our clients.
We are here to help you manage rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Developing Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an abnormal immune system response that causes inflammation in the joints, leading to pain and swelling. However, the true cause or etiology of rheumatoid arthritis is still somewhat of a mystery in scientific literature.
- There is a genetic link – there is 40% – 60% heritability.
- Certain antigens in the blood that lead to inflammation.
- Smoking causes an increased risk.
Rheumatoid Arthritis affects joints, particularly the synovial membrane or inner lining of joints. Rheumatoid Arthritis can then progress to the bone and cause bone erosion, which can be seen through medical imaging.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
People diagnosed or who are yet to be diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis often have characteristic RA symptoms, that are often worse in the morning, they include:
- Pain.
- Swelling.
- Stiffness.
- a “trigger finger”.
- Deformity – Boutonniere, swan neck deformities, subluxation of the fingers, and ulnar deviation.
- Nodules.
- Effects on other parts of the body, such as general fatigue.
Who is Affected By This Form Of Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis can affect anyone at any age. However, it most commonly occurs between 40 to 60 years old with women twice as likely to be affected than men.
Treatment Of Rheumatoid Arthritis At Dublin Chiropractic & Physiotherapy
At Dublin Chiropractic & Physiotherapy we provide individually tailored physiotherapy for people with rheumatoid arthritis, alongside the medical care from your GP or rheumatologist.
We believe in providing individual care for every client with rheumatoid arthritis because no two cases are alike – everyone responds differently to treatments, this is why we provide a customised rehab plan based on your needs.
Progression Of This Form Of Arthritis
There are four stages of RA:
- Stage I: No changes seen on x-ray.
- Stage II: Changes are seen on x-ray in the bone surrounding the joint.
- Stage III: Changes are seen on x-ray of surrounding bone and cartilage.
- Stage IV: Stage III + Presence of joint stiffness.
Physical Therapy Goals In The Treatment Of Arthritis
The overall goal when management rheumatoid arthritis is to improve the quality of life of our clients and reduce the burden the condition has on our clients. This goal is achieved through many sub-goals, which our physiotherapists at Dublin Chiropractic & Physiotherapy will formulate with you. For example:
- Reduce joint inflammation.
- Reduce pain.
- Reduce swelling.
- Prevent the loss of function of surrounding joints.
- Prevent the loss of and maintain muscle strength.
- Maintain or improve cardiovascular function.
- Maintain dexterity (function of the hands) to carry out daily activities.
- Maintain independence.
How Physical Therapy Helps Relieve RA
Our physiotherapist may use a combination of graded exercise, manual therapy and laser therapy to help with the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and work towards your goals.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Complications – Flare-ups And Remission
Our physiotherapists will work with you to reduce symptoms during flares-up and maintain function and well-being during remission.
Exercise Therapy For Arthritis
Exercise is important because it helps maintain muscle strength and joint range of motion (ROM). Without exercise, muscles will weaken which can lead to increased pain. Our physiotherapists at Dublin Chiropractic & Physiotherapy will choose exercises suited to you, designed to help with symptoms and function.
Manual Therapy
Our physiotherapists at Dublin Chiropractic & Physiotherapy will use manual therapy to decrease pain, increase joint mobility and range of motion, reduce swelling, and relax muscles that are shortened or spasmed due to RA. Manual therapy is also useful if you have difficulty performing certain exercises because of pain or stiffness.
Manual therapy techniques our physiotherapists use include compression, mobilization, gentle stretching, and trigger point release.
Laser Therapy
Our physiotherapist may use therapeutic laser therapy as part of your care. The evidence for laser in rheumatoid arthritis is limited, and results vary.
Visit us in Dun Laoghaire, Dublin Ireland
Our physical therapy & other services extend throughout Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown including Blackrock, Cherrywood, Stillorgan, Rathfarnham, Shankill, Cabinteely, Foxrock, Clonskeagh, and Killiney.
Our office is located just outside of the center of Dun Laoghaire and is between Deansgrange and Monkstown. You can find our building entrance on Lower Mounttown Road, across from Woodland Park. We are a 30-second walk from Dublin Bus stop 2031 which is outside of Mccormick’s Pub.
Book Your Appointment Today In Dublin, Ireland
Are you looking for a new private practice or healthcare provider?
Dublin Chiropractic & Physiotherapy is a chiropractic and physiotherapy clinic in Monkstown, Co. Dublin.
You can request an appointment today by clicking here or calling us at(01) 575 2623. Don’t wait another day with your pain – we want to help you feel better as soon as possible.
Other Articles
We hope are website can become an online resource to educate the population of common conditions and the non-invasive treatments we offer. If you want more information on other conditions we treat check them out below.
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Treatment & Relief Ireland
Osteoarthritis Treatment & Relief Ireland
Mid-Back Pain Treatment & Relief Ireland