Physiotherapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis in London
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Are you living with rheumatoid arthritis? Physit is here to keep you moving, gently and at your own pace. Our expert physios come to you with strategies to reduce pain and stay mobile throughout the day. Whether managing a flare-up or working toward long-term relief, we’re here to help you stay active, supported, and steady in your stride.
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis (also known as RA) is a long-term condition that causes your immune system to mistakenly attack the lining of your joints. This leads to inflammation, stiffness, and pain, often in areas like the hands, wrists, knees, and feet. Symptoms can come and go, with periods of flare-ups followed by times of relief.
While physiotherapy can’t change how your immune system behaves, it can make a big difference in how you feel from day to day. Gentle, joint-friendly movement helps reduce stiffness, improve flexibility, and strengthen the muscles that surround and protect your joints. It can also improve your energy and confidence with everyday tasks, helping you stay active in a way that works with your body, not against it.
With the right kind of support, living with RA isn’t about living with limitations; it’s about living life to the fullest in a way that’s more comfortable for you.
Common Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis can affect everyone a little bit differently, but there are some familiar signs that many people experience, especially during flare-ups. These symptoms may come and go, but even on the good days, they can influence how you move, rest, and get through your daily life.
- Joint stiffness, especially in the morning or after rest
- Swelling, warmth, or tenderness in the joints
- Reduced flexibility or difficulty with fine motor tasks
- Muscle weakness around affected joints
- Fatigue or feeling “run down”
- Pain that flares up with stress or activity
- Trouble with daily tasks like opening jars, walking, or dressing
Some days may feel easier, while others may be more difficult. But with consistent, joint-friendly movement and the right kind of support, you can improve your comfort level, build up strength in the muscles that protect your joints, and move through your day with more ease.
Physiotherapy helps you stay ahead of stiffness and pain, so you can keep your independence and feel more in control of how your body moves.
What Makes Rheumatoid Arthritis Worse?
Rheumatoid arthritis can be unpredictable, but certain habits, environments, or situations may trigger flare-ups or make your symptoms feel more intense. Understanding what contributes to your discomfort will give you a chance to take small steps that protect your joints and help you feel more in control.
- Overuse of inflamed joints: Repeating the same movement or placing too much pressure on a painful joint can increase irritation and delay healing.
- Prolonged rest or inactivity: While rest is important, staying still for too long can lead to increased stiffness and a decrease in mobility.
- Stress and fatigue: Emotional or physical stress can heighten inflammation in the body, making symptoms worse and leaving you feeling drained.
- Cold, damp weather: Many people with RA notice their joints feel stiffer or more painful in colder, wetter conditions.
- Lack of sleep or poor recovery: Your body needs rest to repair and manage the inflammation, so a run of poor sleep can leave you feeling more sore and sluggish.
- Incorrect joint positioning or poor posture during activity: Even simple tasks like lifting, reaching, or standing for long periods can put excess strain on your joints if your posture or alignment isn’t right.
What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is what’s known as an autoimmune condition. That means the body’s immune system (which is designed to protect you from illness) mistakenly starts attacking the healthy tissue in your joints. Specifically, it targets the lining of the joints, called the synovium, which is meant to help your joints move smoothly and without pain.
When the immune system attacks this lining, it causes inflammation. That inflammation leads to swelling, stiffness, warmth, and pain. Over time, if it is left untreated, it can also damage the joint itself, including the cartilage and nearby bone. This is why some people with RA may notice changes in how their joints move or feel, especially during flare-ups.
The exact reason why the immune system behaves this way isn’t fully understood, but experts believe it’s likely due to a mix of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors. While there’s no cure yet, early treatment and regular movement play a big role in protecting your joints, reducing discomfort, and helping you stay as active and independent as possible.
How Physit Can Help
Living with rheumatoid arthritis can make everyday movement feel unpredictable, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. At Physit, we bring expert physiotherapy right to your front door, so you can get the support you need without the added challenge of getting to a clinic during a flare-up or on a low-energy day.
Our approach is built around how you feel, whether you’re managing pain, rebuilding strength, or trying to stay active. Every plan is thoroughly tailored to support your specific symptoms, energy levels, and joints that require the most attention, allowing you to move more comfortably, feel better, and protect your mobility over time.
Here’s a look at how we help.
- Gentle joint mobilisation and hands-on therapy: We use calming, supportive techniques to reduce joint stiffness, ease inflammation, and help your body feel more relaxed and comfortable, especially during a flare-up.
- Strengthening exercises: We guide you through simple, joint-friendly movements that build up the muscles around your affected joints, giving them extra protection and support where you need it most.
- Stretching and mobility routines: These gentle routines help increase your flexibility and make daily movement easier, without overstressing joints that are already feeling tender or inflamed.
- Energy pacing and fatigue management: We’ll help you find the balance between movement and rest, so that you can stay active without draining your energy or having to push through discomfort.
- Joint protection techniques and daily movement tips: From opening jars to getting dressed, we’ll show you small changes that can make big tasks easier and protect your joints during daily routines.
- Balance, coordination, and fall-prevention work: If RA affects your knees, hips, or ankles, we’ll work on steadying your steps, improving coordination, and helping you feel more confident on your feet.
- Progress tracking and symptom-based adjustments: RA symptoms can change from day to day, so we keep your treatment flexible. We adapt your plan based on how you’re feeling, and make sure it always supports your goals and level of comfort.
With Physit, you don’t have to worry about forcing movement. We use gentle techniques and the kind of movement that feels good, works for your body, and helps you stay active and independent for the long haul.
Conditions We Treat
Our London home and work visit physiotherapists are highly experienced in assessing and treating a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to:
0204 570 2391- Post-surgical rehabilitation (knee, hip, shoulder, and spinal surgeries, as well as general surgical recovery)
- Age-related mobility issues, including falls prevention and balance training
- Chronic pain management (back pain, arthritis, and joint stiffness)
- Neurological conditions impacting mobility and coordination
- Post-hospital deconditioning and general rehabilitation to restore strength, balance, and independence
- All musculoskeletal realted injuries or pain
Frequently Asked Questions About Rheumatoid Arthritis
1. Can physiotherapy really help with RA?
Yes, it absolutely can! Physiotherapy helps reduce joint pain and stiffness, improve flexibility, and build the kind of strength that protects your joints over time. And all of it is done in a way that respects your comfort, your pace, and your goals.
2. What if I’m in a flare-up - can I still have treatment?
Absolutely! We tailor each session to how you’re feeling that day, using calming, gentle techniques and pacing strategies to help you stay supported and comfortable, even when your symptoms are flaring up.
3. Will I need to do exercises at home?
Yes, but nothing overwhelming. We’ll show you easy, joint-friendly movements that feel manageable, fit into your day, and actually help, without adding more pressure or pain.
4. Do I need a referral to start with Physit?
No referral is needed. You can book directly with us for an in-home assessment, and we’ll take it from there. We will create a personalised plan that’s shaped around you and what you need most.
Everyday Comfort, One Day at a Time
Living with rheumatoid arthritis can feel like a balancing act, but you don’t have to figure it out on your own. At Physit, our care is built around your body, your comfort, and your daily routine.
