An introduction to our new, regular newsletter ––
With the start of a brand new month comes the start of our brand new newsletter. We’ll be sharing sporadic email updates on all-things Glen Eira Physio, One Space Health and education around topics of interest to you – our community. This month, we’re sharing some information around inflammatory arthritis and our team approach to treating this group of conditions, here at One Space Health.
What is inflammatory arthritis?
“Most people have heard about ‘arthritis’. You may have either personal experience of arthritis, or know someone who does. Arthritis is a collective term and covers more than 100 different conditions that affect the joints. Current estimates suggest about 15% of Australians across all ages live with some kind of arthritis. Arthritis is commonly associated with pain, stiffness and reduced function.” – Andrew Briggs, Senior Physiotherapist, Glen Eira Physiotherapy.
“Inflammatory arthritis refers to a group of mostly auto-immune conditions that mainly affect the joints, but can also affect other organs such as the lungs, kidneys and blood vessels. In these conditions, the body’s immune system cause inflammation in the joints or spine, resulting in pain, stiffness, swelling and reduced function. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common form of auto-immune inflammatory arthritis and the second most common form of arthritis, after osteoarthritis.” – Sharon Van Doornum, Consultant Rheumatologist, One Space Health.
“Estimates suggest more than 500,000 Australians will be living with RA in 2025. RA can affect any joint, but the most common are the smaller joints in the hands and feet, along with knees and shoulders. RA can also, less commonly, affect other body systems, such as the eyes, skin, lungs, nerves and cardiovascular system”. – Andrew Briggs, Senior Physiotherapist, Glen Eira Physiotherapy.
“Modern research into persistent pain shows that psychological and emotional elements can play a major role in coping with inflammatory arthritis. These non-physical components cause the brain to be hypersensitive to pain which ends up rewiring the body’s nervous system to be more alert and aware of what in other circumstances would be normal situations and stressors. While coming from a protective place, the hypersensitivity of our brain and nervous system towards pain can become overwhelming, frustrating, and stressful. This can lead us to have negative and unhelpful thoughts towards our pain which can then in turn lead to an increased perception of our pain, heightened anxiety, feelings of worthlessness, social isolation, withdrawal, lower activity, and poor sleep”. – David Berlinski, Toolbox Clinic, One Space Health.
One Space Health’s approach to treating inflammatory arthritis.
Inflammatory arthritis is best managed through a multidisciplinary team approach that includes medical care (usually from a rheumatologist and GP) as well as care from a physiotherapist and other professionals, such as a podiatrist, psychologist and occupational therapist – all of whom operate out of One Space Health. This is because the best way to reduce symptoms now and preserve function into the future typically involves a package of care, including medicines, physical therapies, along with psychological support and other supports, where indicated.
Dr Andrew Briggs
Senior Physiotherapist
Andrew is a senior physiotherapist who typically works with people who live with complex chronic pain conditions such as chronic low back pain, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis conditions (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis), and other chronic musculoskeletal and rheumatic conditions like osteoporosis. Andrew works with a network of local rheumatologists, endocrinologists and pain medicine specialists in an interprofessional care model.
Professor Andrew Briggs consults on Tuesdays and provides clinical services for people with inflammatory arthritis.
A/Prof. Sharon Van Doornum
RHEUMATOLOGY
Associate Professor Sharon Van Doornum is a consultant rheumatologist with additional training and experience in clinical research, epidemiology and statistics. In addition to clinical work, she has undertaken research into various topics related to the management of patients with inflammatory arthritis.
Dr. Tom Wilsdon
RHEUMATOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY
Dr. Tom Wilsdon has an interest in all rheumatological conditions, including inflammatory arthritis, crystal arthritis, giant cell arteritis and other forms of vasculitis, polymyalgia rheumatica, connective tissue diseases, inflammatory myopathies, sarcoidosis, osteoarthritis, and general musculoskeletal conditions. He is an expert in therapeutics and dose individualisation and is highly experienced in managing complex rheumatalogical problems.
David Berlinski
PSYCHOLOGY
At Toolbox Clinic, located at One Space Health, psychological treatment for pain can help alter how your brain processes pain. This can be done by equipping you with skills and strategies that can help you identify and challenge any unhelpful thoughts and feelings you may have about your pain as well as learning practical tools to manage your pain and help live a meaningful and fulfilling life. If you are living with persistent pain and are looking for psychological support please contact us at One Space Health.
Nicole Cassuto
HAND THERAPY
Hand therapy services for patients with inflammatory arthritis are aimed at relieving pain, reducing joint deformity, and promoting function of the upper-limb.
Therapy can include the following:
• Splinting and compression for wrists and hands.
• Massage and paraffin wax treatment.
• Education regarding joint protecting strategies.
• Gentle exercises for movement and strength.
• Advice on assistive equipment for daily living.
Get in touch to learn more & book an appointment ––
If you live with rheumatoid arthritis or another inflammatory arthritis condition and need comprehensive assessment and physiotherapy care as part of your team, contact us at Glen Eira Physiotherapy (03) 9571 2111 or book online.