RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS TREATMENT IN OTTAWA, ON

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which there is progressive and symmetrical inflammation in the joints, resulting in cartilage destruction, bone erosion and disability. While there are many types of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis being an autoimmune subtype means the body’s own immune system is attacking itself. There is great importance in diagnosing and treating this disease as quickly as possible simply because of how it manifests if untreated.

Diagnosis often involves - like many of the invisible illness - the patient’s commentary on symptoms and severity. Quality of life is a big marker for onset of RA.

At Femade, WE spend our efforts working directly with patients to decrease severity of symptoms and improve quALITY OF LIFE.

Acupuncture for rheumatoid arthritis

Acupuncture is becoming widely accepted for RA management. Treatment is not only aimed at the particular joints that are inflamed and causing pain, but also looks at gut health which is a root origin for many autoimmune diseases. Understanding the patient’s RA symptoms as well as other comorbid symptoms helps to address the root causes and create a plan with the patient to improve quality of life.

Physiotherapy for rheumatoid arthritis

Using physiotherapy to address which joints are affected and the range of motion in these joints, we can then introduce safe moments to gradually increase motility while decreasing pain. The physiotherapy approach is widely accepted in the medical system and is often included in inpatient treatment, as well as recommended outpatient management. Here at Femade we truly do believe in safe movement and that means moving at a pace that improves quality of life, and slow the progression of RA.

Massage therapy for rheumatoid arthritis

Similarly, with massage therapy, light and increasing pressure can be applied with the same approach of reducing inflammation, increasing safe movement and addressing the pain. Patients can have gentle pressure applied to their joints to help loosen the ‘stiffness’.

lifestyle changes for rheumatoid arthritis

Nutrition and lifestyle are also key features in slowing the progression of this disease. For Naturopathic Medicine the key is to look at lifestyle cues that tell us what areas we need to focus on. We can address the inflammation, any immune factors that could be exacerbating symptoms, and we can address underlying symptoms such as restless sleep. Nutrition builds on this concept to investigate trigger foods that often increase inflammation, and then to build a plan around meals that are nutritious and safe.

Psychotherapy for rheumatoid arthritis

Understanding that RA is largely frustrating and misunderstood, we offer psychotherapy to address some of the root causes of stress, and stress management. We also offer peer support for a more casual mental health support outlet as well as virtual group support sessions to help build a community. Psychotherapy can be used to better address the triggers in your life that bring on these symptoms. Therapy can be done in a more formal setting such as with our psychotherapist, or in a more informal setting with our Mental Health Support Worker who is completely unbiased. We also offer community based therapy to immerse yourself with similar people.

Not sure where to start?

If you’re not sure where to start, consider a health consult with our clinical director and founder. We can take it from there.