Full Body Conditions

Full Body

Arthritis

Arthritis is defined by stiffness, pain, inflammation and damage to joint surfaces. The most common types of arthritis include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Your physiotherapist will aim to reduce your pain, encourage tissue repair, restore joint movement and muscle strength, restore normal function. Common physiotherapy treatments for this are manual therapy, acupuncture, soft tissue massage, kinesiology taping, electrotherapy, strengthening and stretching.

What can I do:

To manage these conditions you need to keep in communication with your GP or consultant to manage your symptoms, protect your joints, get moving (i.e swimming, aqua-aerobics or walking) massage, lose weight, use heat, use ice for reducing swelling and pain. It is also important to rest when you need to.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by widespread pain and fatigue. Sleep disturbances, anxiety/depression and poor memory can be other symptoms. Fibromyalgia can be diagnosed by your GP or a Rheumatologist. Your physiotherapist will aim to reduce your pain, encourage tissue repair, restore joint movement and muscle strength, and restore normal function. Common physiotherapy treatments for fibromyalgia are manual therapy, acupuncture, soft tissue massage, kinesiology taping, electrotherapy, strengthening and stretching.

What you can do:

To manage fibromyalgia you need to communicate with your GP or consultant to help manage your symptoms, with appropriate medication if necessary. It is also advisable to get moving, i.e swimming, aqua-aerobics or walking, lose weight, use heat, use ice for reducing swelling and pain. Managing your stress and resting when you need to is also important.

Lymphoedema

Lymphoedema is the build up of excess protein rich lymph fluid in body tissues due to lymphatic insufficiency or obstruction of lymphatic drainage back into the bloodstream. The affected area can become swollen and distorted in shape. This can result in pain, heaviness, impairment of movement and it impacts on daily activities.

Primary Lymphoedema is due to congenital malformation of the lymphatic channels.

Secondary lymphoedema results from illness or treatment that obstructs lymphatic drainage. Cancer related lymphoedema can occur due to the location of a tumour or as a result of lymph node excision or radiation.

Complex Decongestive Therapy is the treatment of choice for lymphoedema. This includes hygiene/skin advise, manual lymph drainage, compression bandaging and special exercises.

Lipoedema

Lipoedema is a disorder of fat distribution. It is more prevalent in women. It appears in thighs and arms but not hands and feet. Pain to touch is associated with the disorder. It can spread to the ankle if not treated. Dieting will not improve the disorder but it is important to maintain a healthy weight.

Lipodema does not respond to medicines or ointments. Complex Decongestive Therapy is an important part in reducing the volume of fluid. This includes hygiene/skin advise, manual lymph drainage, compression bandaging and special exercises. Sports (always wear compression garments) may be helpful including Nordic walking, power walking, leisurely walking, rambling, aerobics, aquajogging, and swimming.

To find out more about our services or to book an appointment please call 053 9480 861 or email us at rachelrichardsonmiscp@yahoo.ie