Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that inflames the joints. Alongside your doctor, physiotherapy helps keep you mobile, strong and functioning well.
Understanding rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, causing inflammation, pain and swelling. Unlike osteoarthritis, which comes from wear, it is driven by the body's own immune response and often affects the same joints on both sides, such as the hands, wrists and feet. It can also cause tiredness and a general sense of being unwell during active flares.
Rheumatoid arthritis is managed medically by a rheumatologist or GP, usually with medication that calms the immune system and protects the joints. Alongside that care, physiotherapy plays an important supporting role in keeping joints mobile, muscles strong and daily function as good as possible. We do not treat the disease itself or replace your specialist, but we help you move well and manage symptoms between and during flares.
Signs to look out for
- Pain and swelling in several joints
- Symmetrical symptoms on both sides of the body
- Morning stiffness lasting more than an hour
- Warm, tender joints during flares
- Fatigue and feeling generally unwell
- Reduced grip and hand function
- Gradual loss of joint movement
Why it happens
- Autoimmune attack on the joint lining
- Genetic predisposition or family history
- More common in women
- Smoking, which raises the risk
- Hormonal and environmental triggers
- Onset commonly in middle adulthood
Treating rheumatoid arthritis at Rehoboth
Every plan starts with a thorough assessment and a written plan you can actually read. Same-week appointments across five Grand Cayman clinics.
We begin with a careful assessment of your joints, movement, strength and the tasks you find difficult, and we always work alongside your rheumatologist or GP. During settled periods we use gentle manual therapy, mobilisation and a graded strengthening programme to maintain range and protect function. Kinesiology taping and pain-relieving modalities such as TENS and heat can ease sore joints, and we tailor everything to how active your condition is on the day.
During a flare we keep treatment gentle, focusing on comfort, joint protection and simple movement rather than loading inflamed joints. We coach you on pacing, energy management and ways to protect your hands and wrists in daily life. If we notice signs that need medical review, we refer you back to your doctor promptly. Same-week appointments and telemedicine reviews across Grand Cayman make it easier to adjust care as your symptoms change.
Services that treat rheumatoid arthritis
Physiotherapy
Magnetotherapy, robotic rehabilitation, shockwave, ultrasound and electrical stimulation, calibrated to your exact diagnosis.
General Practice
General health consultations, work-permit & taxi medicals, statutory certificates and annual health checks, with same-week appointments.
Telemedicine
Secure video consultations, follow-up care and prescription guidance from the comfort of your home.
Rheumatoid Arthritis questions, answered
Yes, as part of your wider medical care. Physiotherapy helps keep your joints mobile, your muscles strong and your daily function as good as possible, working alongside the rheumatologist or GP who manages your medication. We support your treatment rather than replace it.
No. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition managed medically by your doctor, usually with medication. Our role is to help you move well, ease joint symptoms and protect function, and we refer you back to your specialist whenever medical review is needed.
During an active flare we keep things gentle, favouring comfort and simple movement over loading inflamed joints. As symptoms settle we gradually rebuild strength and range, always matching the plan to how active your condition is that day.
You can book physiotherapy directly without a referral, and we will coordinate with your rheumatologist or GP. We offer same-week appointments across our five Grand Cayman clinics and bill CINICO and major insurers directly.
Other musculoskeletal conditions we treat
Back and Neck Pain
Back and neck pain can make everyday movement, work and sleep difficult. Physiotherapy and chiropractic care ease pain and restore movement so you can get back to normal.
Joint Pain
Joint pain in the knees, hips, shoulders or hands can limit the things you love. Physiotherapy eases pain and rebuilds the strength that keeps your joints moving well.
Muscle Pain
Muscle pain, tightness and stubborn knots can nag for weeks. Hands-on physiotherapy and dry needling release tense muscles and help you move freely and comfortably again.
Strains and Sprains
A strain or sprain can happen in an instant and needs the right care from day one. Physiotherapy settles pain and rebuilds strength for a safe return to activity.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis causes joint pain and stiffness as cartilage wears over time. Physiotherapy helps you stay active, build strength and manage symptoms long term.
Tenosynovitis
Tenosynovitis is inflammation of the sheath around a tendon, often in the wrist and thumb. Physiotherapy calms the irritation and restores pain-free movement.