Physiotherapy methods of relieving pain

Management of pain in the person with arthritis requires interdisciplinary team work with the patient being the final manager. It is important that any health care provider perceive the patient as a person who happens to have arthritis--not as 'an "arthritic".' Defining a person by one's disease process is dehumanizing. The patient has the same aspirations as anyone who is ablebodied--to be free from disease. While the patient may know that a cure is not imminent, there is still the hope for one. Therefore, as the patient comes for physiotherapy, there may be a hidden wish that the moist packs, TENS, or therapeutic pool will be curative. It is important that the patient understand that no equipment in the physiotherapy department has curative powers. This will help avoid unnecessary dependency behaviours on the part of the patient. Careful instruction and supervision of the patient by the physiotherapist, in concert with reinforcement from the physician, can prepare the patient to apply heat, cold, or a variety of treatments at home. Although the patient is given the responsibility for this part of his care, periodic follow-up and reassessment should be completed to determine changes in his physiological, psychological, and functional status. Physiotherapists who have a clear understanding of the physical treatment of pain associated with the rheumatic diseases can be a valuable asset to medical care.