Highlights
Joint protection
Into everyday living.Techniques should be taught when a patient is experiencing pain or shows evidence of developing deformity. Patients at this stage do not have the hindsight that the therapist has, and may find it difficult to foresee the benefits.
Aims:
Manage or reduce pain during activity.
Reduce local inflammation caused by mechanical pressures on the joint.
Increase and maintain function.
Help limit level/ progression of deformity.
Principles relevant to RA/OA:
1. Distribute loads over several joints.
2. Reduce the forces and effort required to perform activities by altering methods, using assistive devices, reduce weight of objects.
3. Use the joints in their most stable position.
4. Avoid positions of deformity.
5. Use the strongest, largest joints available for the job.e.g.
a. larger joints should be used where possible such as turning your shoulder to push open a door.
b. supporting a saucepan on an oven mitt on the wrist rather than by clutching the handles on the edge.
6. Avoid staying one position for too long.
7. Avoid tight and sustained gripping.
8. Monitor pain levels and adjust the activity accordingly.
9. Maintain muscle strength and range of motion.
Alteration of ADL and the use of splints can provide a considerable amount of relief to the patient. The use of adaptive equipment and splinting may also slow down the progression of deformity.
The Hammond and Freeman study has shown that patients with an adherence to joint protection techniques, followed up years following they were originally taught joint protection, has better (or less) early morning stiffness, higher ADL scores and significantly fewer hand deformities.
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