Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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Physical Therapy

sharonouch
sharonouch
My PCP wrote an order for Physical Therapy when I asked him but I'm in so much pain now I'm wondering if I should wait. What have others experienced for P/T. Should I wait? Just don't know.
deleted_user
deleted_user
It depends upon what kind of PT. If it is to learn range of motion exercises then go as soon as you can. I didn't get into PT for 2 years and I have a fused finger and wrecked toes, because I was not doing the exercises. I also lost all mobility in my shoulders, but I was able to recover along with the use of other joints.

If it is to get you "rehabed"then wait till you get the RA under control.I went two different times and got a lot out of it. I still do the exercises when I am in med failure or waiting for my next infusions. So pretty important, but it should be someone who specializes in RA.
deleted_user
deleted_user
There are many thinks that PT can help. I've been through the gamut. PT can focus on pain relief, learning better ways to do things with your new restrictions (and not cause additional pain), gentle stretching and strength maintenance (so as to not lose muscle mass and flexibility), etc.