Overview
Physical therapy helps you build strength, flexibility and endurance and teaches safe ways to stay active. Occupational therapy helps with daily tasks, joint protection, splints and tools that make things easier.
Both are often part of care for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and other rheumatic conditions.
See also our guide: Physical therapy (what to expect).
Watch and learn
Video: “Physical Therapy” from Mayo Clinic on YouTube. It loads from youtube-nocookie.com only when you press play. Shown for general education; GSMC did not produce it. Watch on YouTube
Video: “Lifestyle Modifications for Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis” from Johns Hopkins Rheumatology on YouTube. It loads from youtube-nocookie.com only when you press play. Shown for general education; GSMC did not produce it. Watch on YouTube
Captions: press the CC button in the video player to turn on captions. Some captions are generated automatically by YouTube and may contain errors.
How it is used
- An evaluation of your joints, strength and daily activities
- A home exercise program, often with range-of-motion, strengthening and aerobic work
- Splints, braces or adaptive tools when helpful
Who it may be for
- People with arthritis that limits daily activities
- After a flare to rebuild strength
- Ankylosing spondylitis (posture and spinal mobility)
Monitoring and safety
Your therapist will adjust the program to your symptoms and share progress with your physician.
Possible side effects
- Temporary soreness after exercise
- Ask your therapist how to adjust during flares
Do not start, stop or change a medicine without talking to your physician.
Frequently asked questions
Should I exercise during a flare?
Gentle range-of-motion is usually encouraged; your therapist will advise.
Do I need a referral?
Your physician can refer you and coordinate care.
How long does therapy last?
Often several weeks, with a home program afterward.
This page is general patient education and does not replace advice from your own clinician. Individual results vary.