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= Hydrotherapy in relation to Rheumatoid Arthritis =

Background
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) Is a condition of the body where sufferers experience excessive joint pain and stiffness. Commonly occurring during the mornings, RA leaves people with restricted movement and swollen joints. Prolonged endurance of RA can leave patients having stretched ligaments and tendons. Rheumatoid arthritis is commonly due to specific gene types, in conjunction with environmental factors, but has yet to be defined. Including the pain and suffering experienced, RA is linked to other complications including anemia, osteoporosis, muscle weakness and cardiovascular problems and most often affects the hands, knees and feet of both sides of the body. It is unknown as to how RA is triggered, although various bacteria have been thought to attack similar microorganisms, leaving the development of arthritis as a result. Rheumatoid arthritis has an effect on more than 1% of our overall population and predominantly occurs in people aged 35 to 65. RA is an issue that could effect anyone in their middle life. With limited treatment and relatively unknown diagnosis, management of pain and swelling is vital for sufferers.

Exploration Of Issue
Exercise is a very important part of our daily lives. Although sometimes the pain can be overwhelming, for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers it's a crucial element for management and recovery. With full weight bearing exercises and potential jarring movements, this is often hard and unwelcoming for sufferers of RA. Hydrotherapy has proven to be an effective method for rehabilitation and management of many illnesses and conditions. Rheumatoid arthritis is no exception. With many sufferers having stability issues, lack of muscle strength, inflammation of joints and severe pain, management and treatment is limited. Hydrotherapy poses a way of exercising while avoiding the unwanted pain and risk of further injury. Hydrotherapy allows free movement, while maintaining strength, range of motion and endurance all before full weight bearing exercise is allowed. During a hydrotherapy session, the patient will run through set exercises or simply be allowed to soak. Through slight movements, natural water stimulation and water temperatures they will experience ease through movements and enhanced flexibility.

Supported Studies
In 2007 one hundred and fifteen suffers of RA take place in a randomised study. Patients either took part in one 30 minute hydrotherapy session a week or equivalent land exercise. The researchers documented a report of impression of change on a scale of one to seven. The results were strongly showing improvements in comfort, physical function and quality of life. 87% of people doing the weekly hydrotherapy session responded with a six to seven on the scale. With 47% completing the land exercise saying they also felt improvements, the effects of hydrotherapy prove to be greater than weight bearing exercise. Yet both land and hydrotherapy being more effective than no exercise at all.
 * Study supporting effective relief of RA
 * Systematic review

Recommendations
Other forms of treatment or assistance methods include:
 * Prescribed medications from Doctor
 * light exercise to increase movement and muscle strength
 * Support and aids. I.e. walking frames, specific cooking utensils
 * Nutritional monitoring, for inflammation treatment.
 * Relaxation techniques for pain and emotional induced stress

Further Readings

 * The Arthritis Foundation, further arthritis Information - http://www.arthritis.org/
 * Life Care Australia, hydrotherapy Information - http://www.lifecare.com.au/physiotherapy-hydrotherapy.html