Does physiotherapy treat psoriatic arthritis?

The assessment may cover painful or swollen joints, spinal movement, grip, walking, fatigue and the effect of symptoms on work or self-care. Treatment can include gentle range-of-motion exercises, strengthening around affected joints, posture and ergonomic advice, and strategies to spread effort across the day. The programme should account for skin symptoms, tendon pain and changes between flares and quieter periods.

Keep joints moving gently, but reduce resistance and impact when a joint is hot, swollen or unusually painful. Alternate activity with planned rests rather than staying inactive for long periods. Use the medicines prescribed by your rheumatology team and tell them if swelling, stiffness or fatigue is limiting the exercise plan. Progress should be gradual and guided by response.

Seek urgent assessment for a hot, very swollen joint with fever, sudden inability to use a limb, severe eye pain or new vision change. Contact your rheumatology team when joint swelling or morning stiffness is escalating, since medication review may be needed rather than simply increasing exercise.

Ask how to modify exercise during a flare, which joints need protection, whether hand or foot supports could help, and how physiotherapy will coordinate with rheumatology treatment.