Rheumatoid Arthritis Management

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is different from the more common osteoarthritis — it's an autoimmune disease where your own immune system attacks the lining of your joints. That causes inflammation, swelling, warmth, and a deep, symmetrical joint pain that often starts in the small joints of the hands, wrists, and feet, then spreads. Many people also feel fatigued, stiff for hours in the morning, and generally unwell during flares.

While RA is managed long-term by a rheumatologist with medications, physical therapy is a critical part of staying functional, mobile, and strong over the decades. The right PT plan protects your joints during flares, builds strength between flares, and prevents the deformities and disability RA can cause when joints aren't cared for properly.

• Symmetrical joint pain and swelling
• Prolonged morning stiffness (over 30 minutes)
• Fatigue and general malaise
• Joint deformity over time

• Autoimmune attack on the synovial joint lining (root cause)
• Genetic predisposition (family history of RA)
• Smoking — strongly linked to RA onset and severity
• Hormonal factors (RA is 2-3x more common in women)
• Infections that may trigger an autoimmune response in susceptible people

• Women age 30-60
• People with a family history of RA
• Current or former smokers
• Those with other autoimmune conditions
• Anyone diagnosed with RA who isn't doing regular movement and strength work

Your PT plan is built around the unique rhythm of RA — quieter periods where we can build strength, and flares where we shift to protection and gentle motion. During calm periods we focus on low-impact strength training (especially for the muscles around vulnerable joints), aerobic conditioning (cycling, swimming, walking), flexibility work, and posture training. We also use manual therapy and modalities to manage stiffness without irritating the joints.

During flares we pivot to joint-protection strategies, gentle range-of-motion exercises (especially for hands and feet), aquatic therapy, and energy-conservation education so you can keep doing what matters most. Throughout, we coordinate with your rheumatologist, fit you with assistive devices and splints as needed, and teach you how to read your body's signals — when to push, when to back off, and how to keep RA from running your life.

If your symptoms aren't improving in 2-3 weeks, are getting worse, or starting to limit daily activities, call us or schedule an appointment online today — early intervention almost always means a faster, fuller recovery.

PT for RA is ongoing care, not a fixed program. Most patients see meaningful improvements in stiffness, function, and energy within 6-8 weeks, with ongoing tune-ups every few months as your disease and goals change.

• Start every morning with 5-10 minutes of gentle range-of-motion in bed
• Apply moist heat in the morning to ease stiffness; ice swollen joints after activity
• Choose larger joints over smaller ones (carry with forearms, not fingers)
• Pace your day — alternate active and rest periods, don't push to exhaustion
• Stay active during remissions — strength built then protects you during flares

These tips support recovery but don't replace a professional evaluation. If you're unsure or symptoms worsen, please reach out.