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 & Physical Therapy, our main goal when working with clients with rheumatoid arthritis is to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms, to improve the quality of life for our clients.
We uphold and provide a high standard of care to all our clients, we stay up-to-date with new evidence to provide evidence-based and purposeful treatment programs, that are individually tailored to each client’s needs and outcome goals.
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.
- Other conditions that are caused by RA affecting other organs of the body, i.e general fatigue, and cardiovascular conditions, like COPD and asthma.
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 Physical & Chiropractic
At Dublin Chiropractic & Physical Therapy our healthcare team are passionate about working with people and providing a high standard of evidence-based and individually tailored care for our clients, with medication. When managing a complex condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis, it is very important to have the right physical therapy, that is evidence-based and tailored to each person.
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 physical therapists at Dublin Chiropractic & Physical Therapy will formulate with you. For example:
- Reduce joint inflammation.
- Reduce pain.
- Reduce swelling.
- Reduce stiffness.
- Prevent or slow the progression of RA.
- 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 physical therapists use a combination of a clinical expertise, graded exercise program, joint traction and spinal decompression, manual therapy, and laser therapy to reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and achieve client-centred goals. The earlier you receive physical therapy the better because when it comes to progressive conditions prevention is the best medicine. Physical therapy in combination with good sleep and a healthy diet is better than any number of rheumatoid arthritis drugs.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Complications – Flare-ups And Remission
Our physical therapists 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 physical therapists at Dublin Chiropractic & Physical Therapy know the right exercises for each person with rheumatoid arthritis; these are designed to reduce symptoms and improve function.
Manual Therapy
Our physical therapists at Dublin Chiropractic & Physical Therapy 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 physical therapists use include compression, mobilization, gentle stretching, and trigger point release. These manual therapy techniques are safe for all ages with RA when used by a registered health care professional. Manual therapy is effective in reducing symptoms from rheumatoid arthritis, including pain and stiffness.
Laser Therapy
Our physical therapists at Dublin Chiropractic & Physical Therapy are experienced in using therapeutic laser therapy to relieve the symptoms of RA. Laser therapy has been shown to be effective for reducing swelling associated with rheumatoid arthritis and is even more effective than using ice as a coolant.
Spinal Decompression
Our physical therapists at Dublin Chiropractic & Physical Therapy will use spinal decompression therapy to treat rheumatoid arthritis by reducing pressure on the nerves that travel to and from the spine. This allows for less inflammation and pain, which results in an improvement of function and mobility.
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 Physical & Chiropractic is an innovative clinic located in Dublin, Ireland. We are known for our highly innovative technology and professional care. Our goal is to provide the best possible service to all of our clients. If you’re looking for a physical therapist, in Dublin, Ireland that will help you achieve your goals, look no further than Dublin Physical & Chiropractic!
You can request an appointment today by clicking here or calling us at (01) 254 4800. 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 alternative, non-invasion ways to treat them. If you want more information on other conditions we treat check them out below.
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