Rheumatoid Arthritis
If it Hurts to Move, Don’t Iignore it.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that progressively destroys joints. It affects over 400,000 people in the UK and is associated not only with pain, but also with chronic fatigue, loss of mobility, and disability.
About
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Do you struggle to turn your neck? Do your knees ache when bending? Do your hands tingle or your ears ring? Do you wake up exhausted, as if you hadn’t slept? Your body has been speaking to you. And what’s most concerning is that if you don’t listen, things will only get worse.
Chronic joint conditions — like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or rheumatism — are degenerative. That means they don’t stop: they progress a little more every day. What begins as stiffness can become full loss of movement. And with it comes loss of independence, emotional wellbeing, and joy of life.
In the UK, over 10 million people live with chronic musculoskeletal conditions (Versus Arthritis UK), and 1 in 4 people over 45 has been diagnosed with osteoarthritis (NHS England, 2023). But this isn’t just an age issue. These conditions affect people of all ages: workers, drivers, office staff, carers… people just like you.
Why do these conditions develop?
Many think it’s just genetics or ageing. But in most cases, they slowly develop from everyday habits we repeat without realising:
Poor posture while sitting or using phones.
Physical strain without proper technique (like lifting without bending the knees).
Lack of daily movement — the body wasn’t made to be still.
Built-up stress that tightens the body all day… and all night.
And most importantly: lack of real rest. Sleeping is not the same as resting. Many people wake up with sore jaws from clenching their teeth at night, or with fingernail marks in their palms from clenching fists in their sleep. That’s not rest — it’s tension accumulating, night after night.
How do these diseases manifest?
They begin as discomfort. Then they become restrictions. And if nothing is done, they turn into disability. Because someone who can’t use their joints due to chronic pain is also disabled, even if they can still walk or catch a bus.
Common symptoms include:
Pain during movement or even at rest.
Morning stiffness.
Swelling or heat in knees, fingers, hips, neck, shoulders.
Joint sounds (clicking, cracking).
Tingling or numbness in hands and feet.
Dizziness, nausea, or vomiting (especially in cervical osteoarthritis).
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
Excessive tearing or blurry vision.
Insomnia or unrefreshing sleep.
Persistent fatigue.
Mood changes, anxiety, sadness or irritability.
Before
After
The Prosalud Vibrotherapy Solution
Physiotherapy: Beyond Rehabilitation
For many years, physiotherapy was viewed mainly as a rehabilitation tool used after accidents, surgery, or sports injuries. Today, however, modern medicine recognises that its scope extends much further. According to the World Physiotherapy Federation (2023), consistent physiotherapy treatments can help prevent the progression of musculoskeletal diseases and significantly improve the quality of life of those affected.
In chronic and degenerative joint conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or rheumatism, daily physiotherapy acts directly on the affected muscles and joints. Controlled movement stimulates blood circulation, enhances the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to tissues, and helps remove inflammatory by-products that cause pain and stiffness. This process, described in The Lancet Rheumatology (2021), reduces inflammation, preserves mobility, and slows the natural progression of the disease.
At the muscular level, physiotherapy activates fibres that would otherwise remain inactive due to pain or immobility. This not only prevents muscle atrophy but also improves joint support and stability, reducing overload and progressive wear. The Arthritis Foundation states that regular mechanical stimulation can reduce perceived pain in osteoarthritis patients by up to 30%.
Vibrotherapy with Heat: A Therapeutic Ally
Among modern modalities, vibrotherapy with heat has emerged as a highly effective, non-invasive technique. Controlled vibration penetrates deeply into the muscles and periarticular tissues, stimulating circulation and reducing muscle tension. At the same time, heat application increases connective tissue elasticity and improves the viscosity of synovial fluid, facilitating movement and reducing pain.
Studies published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science (2020) have shown that the combination of vibration and heat can improve joint mobility and reduce morning stiffness in people with arthritis and osteoarthritis. Furthermore, this non-pharmacological approach avoids the side effects linked to long-term anti-inflammatory use, offering a safe and sustainable long-term option.
In summary, physiotherapy—especially when incorporated daily and supported by tools such as vibrotherapy with heat—not only relieves pain but also acts as a barrier against the progression of degenerative joint diseases, enabling people to maintain their independence and quality of life for longer.
Medical Advice & Supporting Research
Rheumatoid Arthritis in the UK: Understanding, Managing, and Reducing the Impact
Rheumatoid Arthritis — A Serious but Manageable Condition
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects an estimated 450,000 people in the UK, with 12,000 new cases each year. It is significantly more common in women, with a female-to-male ratio of up to 4:1. RA can begin at any age, but onset most often occurs between 40 and 60 years old. Unlike osteoarthritis, RA is not caused by mechanical “wear and tear” — instead, the immune system mistakenly attacks joint tissue, leading to inflammation, pain, swelling, and progressive damage to cartilage and bone. In the UK, musculoskeletal conditions like RA are a leading cause of disability, costing the economy an estimated £3.8–4.75 billion annually in healthcare and lost productivity.
Causes, Risks, and Influencing Factors
RA develops when the immune system targets the synovial membrane that lines joints, but the exact cause remains unclear. Risk factors include genetic predisposition, hormonal influences, and a range of lifestyle and environmental factors:
Smoking — the single biggest modifiable risk factor for RA, increasing risk and severity.
Obesity — particularly central obesity; a waist-to-height ratio ≥0.6 has been linked to more than double the risk.
Female sex — women are 2–4 times more likely to develop RA, possibly due to hormonal factors.
Family history — increases risk modestly, especially if a first-degree relative is affected.
Poor oral health — gum disease has been associated with higher RA risk.
The UK Biobank study revealed that 32% of people with RA were obese, 53% were current or former smokers, and many lived in more deprived areas — highlighting the importance of targeted public health strategies.
Prevention and Lifestyle Management
While there is currently no way to guarantee RA prevention, evidence shows that certain lifestyle choices may delay onset or reduce symptom severity:
Quit smoking — reduces inflammation and improves response to treatment.
Maintain a healthy weight — even moderate weight loss can reduce stress on joints and improve overall health.
Follow an anti-inflammatory diet — UK-based studies link a Mediterranean-style diet, rich in legumes, olive oil, fish, and vegetables, to a 29% lower risk of RA.
Stay active — gentle aerobic exercise and strength training help preserve muscle, protect joints, and boost mood.
Look after oral health — regular dental care can lower inflammatory triggers linked to RA.
NHS-Recommended Treatments and Support
RA treatment focuses on early intervention to prevent irreversible joint damage. NICE guidelines recommend starting disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) as soon as possible after diagnosis, including methotrexate, sulfasalazine, leflunomide, or biologic agents. Other treatments include:
NSAIDs and corticosteroids for inflammation and pain control.
Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and podiatry to maintain function and independence.
Surgery, such as joint replacement, in cases of severe damage.
The SARAH hand exercise programme, developed in the UK, is now NHS-endorsed and has been proven to improve hand strength and function without increasing pain.
Key Takeaways & Practical Steps
RA can be life-changing, but with early diagnosis and a multi-faceted management plan, many people maintain mobility and quality of life for decades.
Key actions to consider:
Seek medical advice early if you experience persistent joint stiffness, swelling, or pain.
Adopt anti-inflammatory lifestyle habits — stop smoking, maintain good oral hygiene, follow a Mediterranean-style diet.
Stay active — aim for 150 minutes of gentle aerobic activity per week plus strengthening exercises.
Maintain a healthy weight, focusing on reducing central obesity.
Access NHS resources — physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and RA-specific exercise programmes.
Look after emotional health — RA often affects mood, work, and social connections.
The Prosalud Company massager is engineered as a therapeutic instrument for home use, combining low‑frequency vibration that activates deep muscle fibres with controlled heat to maximise relaxation and circulation.