Multidisciplinary Approach to Managing Arthritis
July 2024
Arthritis is a common, chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide, causing joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
Living with arthritis can be challenging, but adopting a multidisciplinary approach can significantly improve your quality of life.
Effective management of arthritis requires more than just medication; it involves a strategy that utilises various treatments and
lifestyle modifications.
This article explores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to managing arthritis and how it can help you live well.
The Limitations of Medications Alone
Medications for arthritis, such as Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), Analgesics, Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs
(DMARDs), and biologics, are essential for controlling inflammation, reducing pain, and slowing disease progression. However, they come
with limitations and should be used in conjunction with other strategies:
1. Side Effects and Risks: Long-term use of certain medications may lead to gastrointestinal issues, cardiovascular
problems, and increased susceptibility to infections.
2. Limited Scope: They do not improve overall health, lifestyle, or emotional wellbeing.
Relying solely on medications can lead to a cycle where symptoms are managed but not adequately controlled, and the overall health of
someone may not improve. Incorporating other strategies is important for a comprehensive management plan.
Understanding the Multidisciplinary Approach
A multidisciplinary approach involves a team of healthcare professionals from different specialties working together to provide holistic
care.
This team might include your doctor, rheumatologists, physical therapists such as physiotherapists and/or exercise physiologist,
occupational therapists, dietitians, psychologists, and sleep specialists.
Each specialist brings unique expertise to address the different aspects of arthritis management. Each person may require different
healthcare professionals or techniques to manage their condition, as arthritis affects people differently.
Key Components of a Multidisciplinary Approach
#1. Medical Management
Rheumatologist:
- A rheumatologist specialises in diagnosing and treating inflammatory arthritis conditions.
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They prescribe medications such as NSAIDs, DMARDs, biologics, and corticosteroids to control inflammation, relieve pain, and slow disease
progression in inflammatory forms.
Doctor (General Practitioner):
- Your primary care doctor plays an important role in coordinating care and monitoring overall health.
- They make sure all treatments support your general health and other medical conditions.
-
For more information, read our free article on 'Making
the Most of Your Visit to A Doctor'.
#2. Physical Therapy
Exercise Physiologist:
-
Exercise Physiologists (EP) design personalised exercise programs that are safe and effective to improve joint flexibility, muscle
strength, and overall mobility.
- Regular physical therapy can help reduce pain, enhance function, and prevent further joint damage.
-
An EP can show you how to do these exercises without causing as much pain or discomfort, and help you manage your symptoms like fatigue
and loss of movement when practising your exercises.
-
For more information, read our free article on 'Exercise
Physiologist'.
Physiotherapist:
-
Use hands-on treatment to manage conditions, disabilities, injuries, and disorders that affect your body’s movement and function.
- Many people see physiotherapists after suffering an injury or illness that prevents them from moving freely.
- They can prescribe specific exercises and stretches to help manage your arthritis symptoms.
-
For more information, read our free article on how a 'Physiotherapist
Can Help You'.
General Exercise:
-
Exercise is not just limited to seeing an exercise physiologist or physiotherapist. You can do your own exercise without seeing an allied
health professional.
#3. Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapist:
- Occupational therapists help you adapt your daily activities to reduce joint strain and pain.
-
They may recommend assistive devices, ergonomic tools, and techniques to make everyday tasks easier and safer. Read more about how an OT can help you here.
-
Read our free
article on Assistive Devices
for more information.
#4. Nutrition and Diet
Dietitian:
-
A balanced diet can play a significant role in managing arthritis. A dietitian can help you adopt an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits,
vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats.
- They can also guide you on maintaining a healthy weight to reduce joint stress.
-
For more information, read our free article on 'How
a Dietitian Can Help You'.
#5. Emotional and Mental Wellbeing Support
Psychologist/Counsellor:
-
Living with a chronic condition like arthritis may impact your overall emotional and mental wellbeing. Psychologists and counsellors provide
support through cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), stress management techniques, and counselling to help you cope with the emotional
aspects of arthritis.
-
For more information, read our free article on 'Support
for Mental Wellbeing'.
Stress Management and Relaxation Techniques:
-
Some fantastic stress management and relaxation techniques that some people find beneficial include:
-
Mindfulness meditation, yoga, and progressive muscle relaxation. They tend to focus on techniques involving meditation,
deep breathing, and mindfulness. These can help lower stress levels, which may reduce muscle tension and pain, and improve emotional
wellbeing and sleep quality.
-
For more information, read our free article on
'Power of Mindfulness'.
-
For more information, read our free article on 'Relaxation
and Stress Reduction Techniques'.
#6. Sleep Specialist
Doctor/Psychologist:
-
Can diagnose and treat sleep disorders. Not every person with arthritis may need to see a sleep specialist, but they may be able to assist
if your condition is impacting on your sleep routine.
#6. Complementary Therapies
Acupuncturist:
-
Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese therapy, may help reduce pain and improve joint function by stimulating specific points on the body for
some types of arthritis.
-
For more information, read our free infosheet on Complementary
Therapies here.
Massage Therapist:
-
Therapeutic massage may help reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and improve your overall wellbeing for some types of arthritis.
Massage will not reduce inflammation or joint damage from arthritis.
-
It is important to make sure the massage therapist is suitable qualified, you can check if they are a member of Massage &
Myotherapy Australia or equivalent organisation. When choosing a massage therapist, check that they are also experienced with working with
arthritis.
-
For more information, read our free infosheet on Massage
and Arthritis here.
Benefits of a Multidisciplinary Approach
Holistic Care:
-
A multidisciplinary approach addresses all aspects of arthritis, including physical, emotional, mental and social factors. This
comprehensive care makes sure that no aspect of your health is overlooked and allows you to take control of managing your arthritis.
Personalised Treatment Plans:
-
Each person’s experience with arthritis is unique. A multidisciplinary team can develop a tailored treatment plan that considers your
specific needs, preferences, and medical history.
Improved Quality of Life:
-
By combining various treatments and lifestyle modifications, a multidisciplinary approach may improve your overall quality of life. You
can enjoy better pain management, increased mobility, and improved mental wellbeing. Positive lifestyle modifications can prevent or
manage other conditions that may worsen arthritis symptoms, such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
Preventing Complications
-
Early and proactive management of arthritis through a multidisciplinary approach can help prevent complications and joint damage, allowing
you to maintain an active and fulfilling life.
Practical Steps to Implement a Multidisciplinary Approach
Assemble Your Team:
- Work with your doctor to assemble a team of specialists who can address different aspects of your arthritis management.
-
You can get 5 subsided visits to allied health professionals with a ‘Chronic Disease Management Plan’ – this can help keep costs down.
Chat to your doctor for more information.
Communication:
- Keep your healthcare team up to date if you experience new or worsening arthritis symptoms.
Stay Informed:
-
Educate yourself about arthritis and stay informed about the latest treatments and lifestyle modifications that can help manage your
condition.
Be Proactive:
-
Take an active role in your care by following your treatment plan, attending appointments, and engaging in recommended therapies and
exercises.
Managing arthritis effectively requires more than just medication; it demands a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates various
treatments and lifestyle changes.
By working with a team of healthcare professionals, you can address the physical, emotional, and social aspects of arthritis, leading to a
better quality of life.
Embrace the multidisciplinary approach and take proactive steps to manage your arthritis and live well.
For more information, please view our webinar recordings
where you can learn more about tips and strategies to help you live well with arthritis.
How can we help?
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JOIN OUR 12-WEEK ONLINE 'ARTHRITIS MOVES' EXERCISE PROGRAM.
Always talk to your doctor and/or health professional before starting an exercise program. A physiotherapist or exercise physiologist
can suggest safe exercises and make sure you are doing your exercises correctly.
