Our team approach to inflammatory arthritis.

An introduction to our new, regular newsletter ––

With the start of a brand new month comes the start of our brand new newsletter. We’ll be sharing sporadic email updates on all-things Glen Eira Physio, One Space Health and education around topics of interest to you – our community. This month, we’re sharing some information around inflammatory arthritis and our team approach to treating this group of conditions, here at One Space Health.

What is inflammatory arthritis?

“Most people have heard about ‘arthritis’. You may have either personal experience of arthritis, or know someone who does. Arthritis is a collective term and covers more than 100 different conditions that affect the joints. Current estimates suggest about 15% of Australians across all ages live with some kind of arthritis. Arthritis is commonly associated with pain, stiffness and reduced function.” – Andrew Briggs, Senior Physiotherapist, Glen Eira Physiotherapy.

“Inflammatory arthritis refers to a group of mostly auto-immune conditions that mainly affect the joints, but can also affect other organs such as the lungs, kidneys and blood vessels. In these conditions, the body’s immune system cause inflammation in the joints or spine, resulting in pain, stiffness, swelling and reduced function. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common form of auto-immune inflammatory arthritis and the second most common form of arthritis, after osteoarthritis.” – Sharon Van Doornum, Consultant Rheumatologist, One Space Health.

“Estimates suggest more than 500,000 Australians will be living with RA in 2025. RA can affect any joint, but the most common are the smaller joints in the hands and feet, along with knees and shoulders. RA can also, less commonly, affect other body systems, such as the eyes, skin, lungs, nerves and cardiovascular system”. – Andrew Briggs, Senior Physiotherapist, Glen Eira Physiotherapy.

“Modern research into persistent pain shows that psychological and emotional elements can play a major role in coping with inflammatory arthritis. These non-physical components cause the brain to be hypersensitive to pain which ends up rewiring the body’s nervous system to be more alert and aware of what in other circumstances would be normal situations and stressors. While coming from a protective place, the hypersensitivity of our brain and nervous system towards pain can become overwhelming, frustrating, and stressful. This can lead us to have negative and unhelpful thoughts towards our pain which can then in turn lead to an increased perception of our pain, heightened anxiety, feelings of worthlessness, social isolation, withdrawal, lower activity, and poor sleep”. – David Berlinski, Toolbox Clinic, One Space Health.

One Space Health’s approach to treating inflammatory arthritis.

Inflammatory arthritis is best managed through a multidisciplinary team approach that includes medical care (usually from a rheumatologist and GP) as well as care from a physiotherapist and other professionals, such as a podiatrist, psychologist and occupational therapist – all of whom operate out of One Space Health. This is because the best way to reduce symptoms now and preserve function into the future typically involves a package of care, including medicines, physical therapies, along with psychological support and other supports, where indicated.