關節炎是一種慢性病,它會使關節發炎、疼痛、畸型終至殘障。除了藥物治療,物理治療更是重要的一環。為了保持良好的關節活動度、肌力及體能,治療師應該為個別患者設計一套居家運動,並隨著病情的進步而加以修正。另外,疼痛的問題也要重視,並且儘量克服。
For the arthritic patients, physical therapists have an extensive array of therapeutic techniques from which to choose. But many modalities are not available after patient is discharged from hospital. Here, we emphasize the very importance of home exercise program which benifits the patient mostly. Therapist should design individual exercise program to meet patient's needs and check periodically. Home program contains of three basic types of exercise which based on different purposes, i.e. range of motion or stretching exercise, strengthening exercise and endurance exercise. Relaxation activities should also be a part of daily schedule to provide for a well-rounded exercise pregram.