By changing the focus away, art offers a route to escape the restrictions imposed by the illness on self and lifestyle.

 

Art can demonstrate the many facets of emotions and degrees of pain one goes through at various points in time which can be an effective non-verbal tool to communicate and connect with family, friends and health providers.

 

This form of self-expression is a refuge for coping with sudden changes from familiar to the new unfamiliar aspects of routine functions as a consequence of the background illnes.

 

Supportive evidence highlights that the bio-psycho-social processes facilitating creative activities can reduce anxiety, depression and stress in turn improving health outcomes.

 

The use of art in healing combines the emotional, physical, creative, spiritual and social dimensions and not only the illness and symptoms; complementing the holistic nature of the person.

 

Research into the role of Art in health promotion, prevention and illness management is growing across the UK and worldwide. 

 

There's a lot of scope to promote and ​develop the role of  digital medium for creative expression in the non-medic​al approaches to self-management.

Especially in people with functional limitations due to Rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions affecting joints​ and muscles.