WHO MAY BENEFIT

Persons who are experiencing arthritis symptoms (pain, inflammation of joints, decreased mobility and other functional deficits) as a result of:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Osteoarthritis or Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD)
• Rheumatic disorders such as Lupus, Scleroderma or Arthrosis

The transdisciplinary team will assess all aspects of the patient's condition and address each area
as needed in the plan of care with a goal of:

• Minimizing the impact of the condition or activities of daily living and achieving maximum function within the limits of the condition.
• Preventing or lessening the severity and frequency of acute episodes and pain through education and management.
• Increasing activity range of motion, strength and endurance.
• Educating on technique in energy conservation and joint protection.
• Increasing mobility with the use of assistive devices, if necessary.
• Increasing the ability to perform tasks such as dressing, bathing and homemaking skills, through compensation techniques or use of adaptive equipment.

PATIENT PARTICIPATION

The patient's role becomes that of an active participant in learning how actions, choices and attitudes affect the condition and in learning techniques to better manage the condition.