Physical therapy for psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis can affect joints, tendons, the spine, and skin, with symptoms that change over time. A physiotherapist may review pain, swelling, morning stiffness, grip, walking, posture, fatigue, and the demands of work or home tasks. The programme may combine gentle range-of-motion work, strengthening, aerobic activity, pacing, joint protection, and equipment advice. Therapy supports function but does not replace medical treatment aimed at controlling inflammation. A flare may call for a lighter plan, while a quieter phase may allow gradual progression.

Use the plan from your physiotherapist and balance activity with recovery rather than pushing through a flare. Warm up gently, change position during long tasks, and use larger joints or helpful tools when a small joint is sore. Keep a simple record of stiffness, swelling, fatigue, and response to exercise. Share changes with your rheumatology team; medication and rehabilitation often need to be coordinated. The [Psoriatic Arthritis](/conditions/psoriatic-arthritis/) page gives condition-focused context, while [Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/physiotherapy/) explains the broader treatment approach.

Contact your clinician when a joint becomes increasingly swollen, hot, or difficult to move, or when fatigue and pain are disrupting ordinary activities despite the plan. Seek urgent help for sudden severe weakness, a major injury, chest pain, or difficulty breathing. New eye pain or vision changes should receive prompt medical attention because inflammatory disease can involve areas beyond the joints. Do not increase exercise to compensate for uncontrolled symptoms.

Ask how to modify exercises during a flare, which symptoms suggest active inflammation, and how to protect painful fingers, feet, or tendon areas. Discuss pacing for fatigue, suitable low-impact activities, and whether your medication plan and therapy goals are aligned.