Physical Therapy to the Rescue
Do you deal with arthritis pain that leaves you aching and unable to find relief? Look no further! A physical therapist can identify your specific type of arthritis (there are over one hundred different kinds!), determine its severity, and help you understand its impact on your life. As experts in the musculoskeletal system (the muscles and bones of our bodies), physical therapists combine the latest research and their industry expertise to help. Their goal is to take a holistic look at your body, your life, and your goals to build a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Arthritis 101: Check Your Knowledge
According to the Arthritis Foundation, there are more than 100-types of arthritis! While the most common one we encounter is osteoarthritis, they all are degenerative and inflammatory conditions. Keep reading to learn more:
Osteoarthritis (OA) occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down over time. OA most commonly impacts the hands, knees, hips, and spine but it can cause damage to any joint in the body.
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory disease that causes pain and stiffness in the spine and pelvis, as well as other joints such as the hips, knees, feet, and shoulders. AS is a hereditary disease that is chronic in nature.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can impact more than just the joints of the body. This autoimmune disease can also affect the skin, eyes, heart, and blood vessels. Unlike OA, RA affects the lining of joints.
Juvenile Arthritis (JA) is a pediatric rheumatic disease and an ‘umbrella’ term to describe the inflammatory, autoimmune disease diagnosed in children under the age of 16.
Find ‘RELIEF’ with Physical Therapy
Physical therapists are experts in the musculoskeletal system and understand the complexities associated with arthritis. Let’s look at a few ways partnering with a physical therapist therapy can help alleviate your arthritis pain.
‘R’estore Balance
All forms of arthritis can lead to muscle weakness, painful joints, and limited mobility—all of which can throw off your balance and lead to a risk for falls. Physical therapists have the knowledge to understand which exercises will best help you with everyday activities to improve balance and reduce the risk of falling and suffering a potentially serious injury.
‘E’ncourage Activity
Believe it or not, one of the most effective ways to reduce arthritis pain is to move more! Low-impact physical activities can slow the progression and reduce the pain of arthritis. Your physical therapist will suggest joint-friendly activities and prescribe exercises tailored to what you enjoy, what you can do, and what you want to do!
‘L’essen Joint Stress by Building Strength
Inflammation is the main culprit of painful joints. Arthritis can wear down the cartilage, a protective covering of your bones, which can cause extremely painful friction. Physical therapists will help you strengthen the muscles around your impaired joints, which will reduce pain by decreasing the friction between your boney surfaces.
‘I’ncrease Range of Motion
If you have arthritis, you know about the pain and stiffness that is very common. This often leads to patients not wanting to move at all. By using all the ‘tools in their toolkit’, your physical therapist will combine manual techniques, exercises, and stretching to improve your ability to move with comfort.
‘E’nhance Posture Alignment
It is easy to forget about posture when all you want to do is get comfortable. However, proper posture can improve your arthritis symptoms. Physical therapists can give you ways to adjust your posture during sitting, standing, or exercising to take the stress off joints. A little awareness might be all you need to start feeling better!
‘F’ocus on Flexibility
Daily stretching can help your joints and improve mobility. Your physical therapist will provide you with simple and safe stretches that will target your afflicted joints. Even the smallest improvement in your range of motion can dramatically improve your comfort! Imagine what a few more degrees of motion can let you do!
Take a Stand and Find Arthritis Relief Today
Physical therapy is a medical intervention that has been proven to improve the lives of people suffering from arthritis. In fact, one research study found that patients who attended physical therapy for knee osteoarthritis reported 50% less pain and had improved function compared to those who did home exercises on their own.
Over time, many people with arthritis just stop their favorite activities due to pain. However, your physical therapist can help you find new, joint-friendly activities to get you moving safely again. Don’t settle live with arthritis pain, choose physical therapy to get the most out of life!
Call any MVPT Physical Therapy location to schedule or complete the form below to request an appointment.
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