Physiotherapy in Immune-mediated polyarthritis (IRPA)

Canine IRPA closely resembles rheumatoid arthritis in humans. With one of the main features of both pathologies being arthralgia physiotherapy may form part of non-pharmacology management.

In humans, the positive affects of physiotherapy have been recognised to such an extent that it is included in the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) Guidelines.

Applying these guidelines to the canine field Physiotherapists can assist in

1. improving general fitness and encouraging regular exercise through educating owners on the variables of time, frequency, distance, intensity, type and different surfaces.

2. appropriate exercises to enhance joint flexibility, muscle strength and managing other functional impairments such as contractures.

3. short-term pain relief with the use of TENs, laser, soft tissue therapy and cryotherapy.

Whether the target be remission or low disease activity physiotherapy can help to achieve this and then 6 monthly reviews ensure that this is maintained using functional activity measures. This may be via the LOAD questionnaire.

It was useful to review these guidelines to remind just how much of a difference physiotherapy can make to IMPA and now I can apply it to our amazing canine friends.