Physiotherapy and occupational therapy Physiotherapists and occupational therapists should be part of the team caring for you if you have arthritis. The two professions often work closely together to help people become independent. They can help prevent deformities in children and adults with arthritis.

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Physiotherapy

Occupational therapy

Chartered physiotherapists are specialists in human movement who aim to help people keep active and free of pain. They're often based in hospital departments, but some work from family health centres.

They can provide a number of services, including:

• Advice on how you can minimise the impact of arthritis on your lifestyle and work.
• Pain-relieving treatments such as electrotherapy, massage and sometimes acupuncture.
• Hydrotherapy - exercise sessions in heated water can improve mobility and lessen pain.

In addition, physiotherapists can also teach arthritis sufferers:

• Specially designed exercise programmes to mobilise your joints and strengthen your supporting muscles.
• Relaxation techniques to reduce the stress and muscle tension that can make arthritis seem worse.

Physiotherapists sometimes run group sessions, where you can learn exercises and meet people with similar problems.

If your rheumatologist doesn't refer you to a physiotherapist, ask your GP. You can also consult a physiotherapist privately. Look in the Yellow Pages or your local Thomson Directory, or contact the Organisation of Chartered Physiotherapists in Private Practice. Always look for physiotherapists with MCSP after their name - this means they've completed a high standard of training.

Occupational therapists (OTs) find ways to keep people independent despite their physical difficulties and give practical advice on how to cope with everyday tasks such as washing, dressing and cooking. They can provide special equipment to help you or tell you where to get it. They also make splints to support and protect joints that are severely affected by arthritis.

They can advise you on:

• how to look after vulnerable joints
• how your home might be made more accessible
• cars, wheelchairs and the best ways to get around
• leisure activities
• employment and benefits

Your hospital doctor or GP may refer you to the OT department at your local hospital. An OT may need to visit you at home to assess if your house can be altered to make it better suited to you. In this case, you'll probably be referred to a community OT based at your local social services department.

You can ask your social services department to assess your needs at home: ring your local social services department (in the phone book, under the name of your local authority) and ask for an assessment of your needs under the NHS and Community Care Act 1990.

This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Rob Hicks in July 2008.
First published in October 1999.