| Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term inflammatory | | | | small joints of the hands, feet, and spine, but larger |
| disease that affects both tissues and organs, but | | | | joints like the hip and knee can also be affected. |
| mainly attacks joints. The disease produces | | | | Once inflammation occurs, the pain can become |
| inflammation in the lining of the joint (synovitis), and | | | | chronic, and treatment will likely be necessary. Various |
| often leads to the destruction of cartilage and | | | | treatments are available. Early and effective |
| deformity in the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can also | | | | rheumatoid arthritis treatment can improve the |
| produce inflammation in the lungs, heart, kidneys, and | | | | prognosis and may help prevent the joint and bone |
| eyes, and can produce nodules, most commonly in the | | | | destruction associated with RA. If physical therapy, |
| tissues just under the skin. Although the cause of | | | | orthotics, and diet changes have failed you and you |
| rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, an auto-immune | | | | have maxed out your meds, the Feldenkrais Method |
| system explanation has the most credibility. A genetic | | | | can be used to treat all problems for which surgery |
| component may also exist. RA is a painful and | | | | isn't necessary. Feldenkrais uses simple, gentle |
| disabling condition, which causes considerable loss of | | | | movements to reorganize posture, flexibility, strength |
| function and mobility. It is diagnosed by its signs and | | | | and coordination. Based on the neurological processes |
| symptoms, and also with blood tests (rheumatoid | | | | by which we learn movement skills, it is a novel |
| factor) and X-rays. | | | | approach to rheumatoid pain relief, using the power of |
| Rheumatoid arthritis pain always shows signs of | | | | the brain to help the body function more efficiently. |
| inflammation, with affected joints being swollen, warm, | | | | More efficient use of self creates environments within |
| painful and stiff, particularly on awakening in the | | | | which chronic pain can heal. Many sufferers are better |
| morning or following inactivity. With time RA almost | | | | in a matter of weeks. |
| always affects multiple joints, most commonly the | | | | |