By: Kayla Carlisle PT, DPT, Cert. DN

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues and organs, causing inflammation and damage. The condition affects multiple parts of the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, and lungs. Lupus can lead to a variety of symptoms, including joint pain and swelling, muscle weakness, fatigue, and stiffness. These symptoms can be unpredictable, with flare-ups causing sudden increases in pain and discomfort. These flare-ups can make it difficult to perform daily activities, such as walking, dressing, or cooking. While there is no cure for lupus, physical therapy can play a critical role in improving the quality of life for individuals living with the condition.

How Physical Therapy Can Help with Lupus:

1. Improving Joint Function and Mobility: Physical therapists can provide personalized exercises that target areas of the body where lupus affects joint health. These exercises can help reduce stiffness, improve flexibility, and prevent contractures (tightening of muscles and tendons). When managed properly, these exercises can also reduce the risk of joint deformities that might occur due to long-term inflammation.
2. Building Strength and Reducing Muscle Weakness: Muscle weakness is a common symptom in people with lupus, often caused by both the disease itself and the medications used to treat it. Physical therapists can design personalized exercise programs that help rebuild muscle mass, improving overall strength, which can, in turn, improve mobility and ability to perform their daily activities.
3. Managing Fatigue: Fatigue is one of the most debilitating symptoms of lupus, and it can severely affect a person’s ability to function throughout the day. Physical therapists can work with lupus patients to develop strategies to conserve energy while still staying active. Through techniques such as pacing, time management, and prioritizing activities, physical therapy can help individuals learn how to manage fatigue effectively.
4. Improving Mental Health and Well-being: Lupus can also affect mental health, with many people experiencing anxiety, depression, or feelings of isolation due to the challenges of living with a chronic illness. Physical therapy can help improve mental well-being by providing a sense of control and accomplishment through gradual improvements in physical function. Also, exercise is known to have positive effects on mental health, and regular physical activity can help boost mood, reduce stress, and improve sleep, all of which can be beneficial for individuals living with lupus.
5. Personalized Treatment Plans: Each individual with lupus experiences the disease differently, which is why physical therapy for lupus is highly individualized. While physical therapy can offer many benefits, it’s important to keep in mind that lupus symptoms can fluctuate. During a flare-up, physical activity may need to be reduced or modified to accommodate the increased pain and inflammation. Working closely with a physical therapist during these times ensures that exercises are adapted appropriately and the risk of overexertion is minimized.

Physical therapy can be an invaluable tool in managing the symptoms of lupus. By improving joint mobility, strengthening muscles, managing pain, and reducing fatigue, physical therapy helps individuals with lupus maintain independence and improve their quality of life. A personalized approach that focuses on the specific needs and limitations of each person with lupus can lead to better overall outcomes and a stronger sense of well-being. With the right support and guidance our physical therapists at Professional Rehabilitation Services would love to help anyone diagnosed with Lupus continue to lead active, fulfilling lives despite the challenges posed by the disease.

Kayla Carlisle PT, DPT, Cert. DN

Professional Rehabilitation Services, Longs Office

2126 Hwy 9E Suite 3E, Longs, SC 29568

(843) 491-0388