The types of physiotherapy treatment, and exercises for psoriatic arthritis are similar to those used for RA. Thus, hydrotherapy, hot/cold treatment, walking, stretching, swimming, strengthening, and range of motion (ROM) exercises are recommended.
Following is a description of strengthening exercises:
Exercises for the Back and Neck
Lie down flat and raise the knees so the feet touch the ground. Keep the hands on the stomach and tighten the muscles, as the back is pressed against the ground. This should be done for 5 seconds, and can be repeated 10 times.
Lie down as in the previous exercise and lift the back and bottom up, keeping the feet touching the ground and remain for 5 seconds. Repeat 10 times.
Exercises for Wrist and Fingers
Rest both the forearms on the table and clasp the hands at the edge of the table. Move the wrist up and down 5 times.
Rest the elbow on the table and lift the hand up. Bend the fingers till the fingertips touch the base of the fingers. This can be repeated 10 times.
Rest the forearm on the table with the palm outstretched beyond the edge of the table. The elbow should be near the side of the body. Turn the palm, face upwards and downwards alternately, for 10 times.
Rest the forearm on the table with the palm hanging down at the edge of the table. Lift the palm up and clench the fist. Release and drop the palm down. Repeat 10 times.
Rest the elbow and lift up hand. Starting with the little finger, alternately bring tip of each finger to touch the tip of the thumb. The exercise can be repeated 5 times for each hand.
Placing the palm on the table, lift each finger individually off the table. This can be repeated 5 times.
Exercise for the Toes and Feet
Lie down straight and stretch the feet out and in, repeating 10 times. Toes can be wiggled 10 times, following which the feet can be circled 10 times in each direction.
Press the toes down and arch the foot.
Sitting in a straight-back chair, tilt the head to one side and hold for 5 seconds. Repeat the action for the other side. Then, turn the head to one side and hold for 5 seconds, repeating for the other side. Finally, bend the head down towards the chin, keeping the neck and back straight and repeat 5 times.
Exercise for the Knees and Hips
Lie flat and bend knees till feet touch the ground. Now raise one leg and bring the knee to the stomach and hold. Straighten the leg and return to original position. Repeat with the other leg. This exercise can be repeated 5 times.
Lie on the stomach and keep legs stretched for 5 mins. Slowly lift one leg upwards till it reaches its limit and return to original position, before repeating with the other leg. This can be repeated 5 times.
Sit on a firm bed with outstretched legs and press down the knees for 5 seconds. Relax soon after. This exercise should be repeated 5 times.
