Additional help and support
Physiotherapy
Occupational Therapy Support
The Occupational Therapy department offers a service to patients under the care of a Consultant Rheumatologist or Rheumatology Practitioner. Your GP can also refer you to see an Occupational Therapist (OT). You may request to see an occupational therapist if you wish.
The aim is to teach patients how to manage their rheumatological condition so that they can function as independently as possible in all aspects of their daily lives.
Specialised advice is offered specifically regarding how arthritis or other soft-tissue problems affect hand function, often an area of concern for patients. Hands are so important to our everyday lives enabling us to function independently, and therefore need particular attention.
Exercises for people with inflammatory arthritis
Exercise has three important functions:
- To maintain or improve muscle power around the joints.
- To maintain or improve the range of movement of a joint.
- To help achieve a functional goal or target e.g. getting out of a chair, dressing.
You may be referred to the physiotherapy department if you find exercises difficult or you would like to be given more instruction.
For more information visit:
Other Treatments
There are other treatments available for patients who suffer from rheumatological conditions.
Complementary therapies
Increasingly, patients with rheumatoid arthritis and related conditions are using complementary therapy to supplement their prescribed medication. The type of therapy used tends to fall into one of three categories: physical such as massage, spiritual such as healing, and herbal or homeopathic.
Many find relief and comfort from the use of complementary therapies and all our staff recognise and respect this. We do advise caution, however, especially with the use of herbal remedies, many of which can interact with prescribed medication.
Before starting any form of complementary treatment we recommend that you discuss this with your consultant or rheumatology practitioner. Your local pharmacist (chemist) will also be able to advise you of possible interactions with other medications, but we would still be grateful if you could notify us before starting any complementary therapies so we can record this in your hospital case notes.
Diet and arthritis
Many people believe that their diet may influence the severity and course of their disease. It is claimed that many food and dietary supplements are beneficial in reducing symptoms of arthritis and associated conditions.
Although research has shown benefits from certain foods and food supplements, the most important advice we can offer is to maintain a healthy, balanced diet and keep your weight at a sensible level with a normal Body Mass Index (BMI). You can calculate your BMI as follows:
- multiply your height in metres by itself and then
- divide your weight in kilograms by the above figure – this will give you your BMI.
Or use the BMI calculator on the NHS Choices website.
An ideal BMI for most people is 20 – 25. A figure higher than this suggests you could benefit from losing some weight. Our staff can advise you on a sensible diet or you can seek help from your GP or practice nurse. They will be able to give you a diet sheet and monitor your progress. Alternatively you can, if you wish, consider joining a commercial weight loss programme, although it is always best to check with your GP or other health professional before doing this.
The Live Well Dorset website may be useful if you need help in getting motivated to lose weight.
Or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Self-help
There are several things you can do to help yourself, particularly if you are experiencing a flare of your condition. The following principles are worth considering:
Resting affected joints as much as possible is important, although generally we do not advise complete immobilisation, since this may cause further stiffening of the joints and weakness of the muscles and other supporting structures. If you have been provided with splints for your hands you should use these as directed. However, you should still try to keep your joints moving through their normal range of movement as far as you are able: gentle movements to flex (bend) and extend (straighten) affected joints are advised at regular intervals.
Applying ice packs to inflamed joints can be helpful in reducing inflammation. A pack of frozen peas wrapped in a towel can be used – apply this to the affected joint(s) for 10 minutes up to four times daily. Do not apply directly to the skin or use on areas where you have impaired sensation or poor circulation as ice can burn.
Gentle compression by applying a tubular bandage such as Tubigrip may help to minimise swelling and give support, particularly for larger joints such as knees or ankles. We may be able to supply this when you attend clinic but if purchasing this yourself you should ensure that you obtain the correct size bandage, as indicated on the box – your chemist will be able to advise you. Compression bandaging should not generally be worn at night but removed before going to bed.
Elevation of affected joints can also help to reduce swelling. A swollen wrist or elbow can be supported with a pillow and knees and ankles raised onto a footstool. Do not place a rolled up pillow or cushion behind your knee as this can impair your circulation.
It is also sensible to try to lose weight if you are overweight.
Mental Health and Well-being
We appreciate that living with a rheumatic condition can be stressful, and some people find that it affects their mood. If you feel that you need support or counselling, then see your GP, or you can self-refer through Help & Care, a Dorset-based charity, or Live Well Dorset. There are a few links below, including for Versus Arthritis, which has information and advice on how your rheumatic condition can impact your work and social life.
To contact Live Well Dorset, free phone 0800 8401628 or email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.www.versusarthritis.org
The Psoriasis and Psoriatic Alliance: www.papaa.org
National Ankylosing Spondylosis Society: www.nass.co.uk
Lupus UK: www.lupusuk.org.uk
Scleroderma Society: www.sclerodermasociety.co.uk
British Sjogrens Syndrome Association: www.bssa.uk.net
Vasculitis UK: www.vasculitis.org.uk
Back Pain (Low back pain and sciatica):
