PALMS PHYSIOTHERAPY & ALLIED HEALTH
📞9376 1443 - Noranda 📞6285 6185 - Malaga
PALMS PHYSIOTHERAPY & ALLIED HEALTH
Reduce pain & stiffness, improve mobility & strength with tailored rehab & joint protection
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune inflammatory condition that can cause joint pain, swelling, stiffness and fatigue, and may impact daily function over time. At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we provide individualised, evidence-informed physiotherapy and exercise-based rehabilitation to support mobility, strength, joint protection, and everyday participation—working alongside your GP and/or rheumatology team.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition where the immune system contributes to inflammation in the joints. RA commonly affects:
hands and wrists
feet and ankles
knees, elbows, shoulders
Symptoms vary between individuals and can fluctuate with flares and periods of improvement.
Joint pain, swelling, warmth, and tenderness
Morning stiffness (often lasting longer than typical “wear and tear” stiffness)
Reduced range of motion or grip strength
Fatigue and reduced stamina
Functional difficulty with daily tasks (opening jars, stairs, getting up from chairs)
Important: RA diagnosis and medication management are led by a GP/rheumatologist. Allied health supports function, movement, and symptom self-management strategies alongside medical care.
We support children, adults & older adults with disability, injury, chronic conditions, developmental concerns, communication needs, mobility challenges and rehabilitation goals.
RA symptoms often fluctuate. We can help you plan:
How to adjust activity during a flare without stopping all movement
How to return to higher loads safely after symptoms settle
How to avoid “boom–bust” cycles that worsen pain and fatigue
Your plan is adapted to your current symptom level and goals.
Seek prompt medical attention if you have:
A very hot, swollen joint with fever or severe pain (possible infection)
Sudden inability to weight-bear after injury
New chest pain, fainting, or severe shortness of breath
Rapid, unexplained worsening of symptoms
Physiotherapy can help you stay active safely, maintain joint mobility, and build strength to support your joints and function.
Learn more: Physiotherapy
Strength and stability programs to support affected joints
Mobility and range-of-motion strategies to manage stiffness
Gait and functional retraining (stairs, transfers, walking tolerance)
Pain-informed education and pacing strategies for flares
Joint protection and movement efficiency strategies
Individualised home program with graded progressions
Where appropriate, physiotherapy may include hands-on techniques for short-term symptom relief. Modalities (such as TENS) may be discussed when clinically suitable. Your plan will prioritise active rehabilitation, because long-term outcomes are best supported by progressive strengthening and functional movement capacity.
Structured exercise can support strength, endurance, and confidence—especially where fatigue and deconditioning are part of the picture.
Learn more: Exercise Physiology
Low-impact aerobic conditioning to improve stamina
Progressive strengthening to support joints
Flexibility and mobility work aligned to your goals
Balance and falls risk strategies where relevant
Sustainable routines that can be maintained long-term
Occupational therapy can be helpful when RA affects hand function, daily tasks, work demands, or energy levels.
Learn more: Occupational Therapy
Joint protection and task modification strategies
Hand function supports and daily living routines
Ergonomic and workplace strategies
Recommendations for splints/equipment when clinically indicated
Energy conservation and pacing strategies to manage fatigue
Speech pathology is not routinely required for RA. In some cases, it may be relevant if a person experiences:
Jaw/TMJ-related issues affecting communication or eating, or
Swallowing concerns (for example, where other medical factors are involved)
If these issues are present, assessment determines the appropriate pathway and whether referral to medical teams is needed.
Learn more: Speech Therapy
Our Malaga facility is a purpose-built allied health hub with dedicated therapy spaces including a rehabilitation gym, private treatment rooms, Pilates studio, Sensory room & a Paediatric therapy gym.
Our Noranda clinic is a welcoming therapy space with private treatment rooms, a well-equipped studio gym area for rehabilitation/strengthening, and specialised therapeutic equipment for Physiotherapyities.
At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, our experienced team is here to help children and adults manage their condition and improve their quality of life.
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Find the right support by discipline, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, exercise physiology and other allied health services.
Assessment and treatment at home to support mobility, pain management, strength, balance and safe everyday function.
Practical support at home to improve daily living skills, safety, independence, and home set-up.
Individualised home-based exercise programs to build strength, fitness, balance and confidence with movement.
Assessment and support for communication, cognition, voice and swallowing needs in the home environment.
If you’re unsure which facility, service, or technology is the right fit, our team can guide you based on your goals and presentation.
For additional information and support regarding Rheumatoid Arthritis, we recommend the following Australian resources:
Arthritis Australia: The leading organization for information and support on all types of arthritis, including RA. Visit their website
Rheumatology Society of Queensland: Provides education and support for individuals living with rheumatoid arthritis. Visit their website
Australian Rheumatology Association: Offers resources and information about rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. Visit their website
Health Direct - Rheumatoid Arthritis: Trusted information on the symptoms, causes, and treatment of RA. Visit their website
Important disclaimer: This webpage contains general information only and is not intended to be relied upon as personal clinical advice. While we aim to keep information accurate and up to date, it may not reflect the most current research or your individual circumstances. Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health does not accept liability for decisions made based on this information without an individualised assessment by an appropriately qualified health professional. If you have concerns, please contact us to book an assessment or speak with your GP/medical team.