Limerick Branch of Arthritis Ireland

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Hydrotherapy program alleviates the pain as patients face 2 year waiting list for Rheumatology Services

The Limerick Branch of Arthritis Ireland has extended their hydrotherapy program this autumn, to four classes per week including a children’s class.  This is all possible through funding allocated to the Limerick Branch of Arthritis Ireland from the JP Mc Manus pro-am foundation.  72 adults and 12 children are registered for the autumn hydrotherapy program starting in September.  The program is physiotherapist led and takes place at St. Gabriel’s Hydrotherapy pool.  Hydrotherapy is used to ease pain and improve joint mobility for arthritis patients.  Scientific studies have shown that hydrotherapy can improve strength and general fitness in people with various types of arthritis.  With increased waiting times to access rheumatology services, the Limerick Branch of Arthritis Ireland are committed to helping those in pain and are developing their programs on offer for the autumn.  Along with the hydrotherapy program, Arthritis Ireland Limerick have partnered with Siel Bleu to introduce an adapted exercise program for arthritis patients locally, and this program was launched at their Autumn Lecture which took place at the Southcourt Hotel, Raheen on September 5th.  The lecture focused on adapted physical activity and improving balance and reducing falls in arthritis.  The speakers on the night were Dr. Daniel Tindall, Department of Physical Education & Sport Sciences, University of Limerick and Dr. Norelee Kennedy, Physiotherapist, Clinical Therapies Faculty, University of Limerick.

Patients with arthritis need clear messages about the benefits of exercise and the role of exercise in the management of their arthritis.  Physical activity is essential to optimizing both physical and mental health and can play a vital role in the management of arthritis. Regular physical activity can keep the muscles around affected joints strong, decrease bone loss and may help control joint swelling and pain. Regular activity replenishes lubrication to the cartilage of the joint and reduces stiffness and pain. Exercise also helps to enhance energy and stamina by decreasing fatigue and improving sleep.  Exercise can enhance weight loss and promote long-term weight management in those with arthritis who are overweight.  

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