Team of Healthcare Professionals

Your family doctor or GP was the one who most likely referred you to a specialist for diagnosis of your RA and who will be your primary care physician, in addition to other members of your treatment team. Your family doctor may be able to handle most of your questions and monitor your condition, and will probably be the member of the treatment team with whom you will have the most contact.

A rheumatologist is a specialist in internal medicine who has had special training in treating people with RA and other rheumatic diseases. Today there are approximately 300 rheumatologists in Canada. They are located in most major cities across the country. Many work in hospitals, while others are based in the community and are affiliated with local hospitals.

Assist your doctor with your care, and can be helpful to you in many ways. Nurses play an important role in patient education. They can explain or clarify what your doctor has told you, and answer questions you may have about your treatment. They may also offer suggestions on lifestyle changes that may make living with RA easier. A nurse can be an invaluable source of advice and support.

Can help you function independently. Occupational therapists teach you how to reduce strain on your joints while doing everyday activities. They can also design and fit splints that support and protect weakened joints. Their work is mostly focused on the small joints of the hand. To find an occupational therapist, ask your doctor for a referral or visit the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists website at https://www.caot.ca.

Can help you maintain the mobility you need for daily living. They are experts in range-of-motion exercises that help keep your muscles strong and your joints from becoming stiff. Typically, they will do an evaluation to assess your condition and design an individualized program that is reassessed periodically. To find a physiotherapist, ask your doctor for a referral or visit the Canadian Physiotherapy Association website at https://physiotherapy.ca.

Nutrition is important for everyone, particularly for people with RA. What you eat can affect your energy level and excess weight may put strain on your joints. The medications you take for RA may affect how your body processes the food you eat. A nutritionist will counsel you on these matters and advise you on how to eat for optimum health. To find a nutritionist, ask your doctor for a referral or visit the Dietitians of Canada website at https://www.dietitians.ca.

RA may often be accompanied by stress, frustration, and other emotional reactions. Psychologists are trained to help you deal with these challenges. They can help you keep the difficulties of RA in perspective, and use the power of your mind to deal with them effectively. Psychologists can also suggest relaxation techniques that can help you better cope with stress and pain. To find a psychologist, ask your doctor for a referral. You can also visit the Canadian Psychological Association website at https://cpa.ca or call 1-888-472-0657. They can provide you with referrals in your local area through their provincial and territorial chapters.

Can be a good source of information about the medications you take. Pharmacists can tell you how different drugs work, what side effects they may cause, and how different medications interact with each other.

Are concerned with helping individuals and families enhance their well-being. Social workers may act as a link between your treatment team and the family, as well as with community resources. They can help you identify needs and propose ways of meeting these needs. These services may be offered on an individual basis or in groups.