Physical Therapy to the Rescue
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. Combining the latest therapeutic treatments with deep industry expertise, physical therapists will 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
While the Arthritis Foundation says there are more than one hundred types of arthritis, some of the most common that we encounter in physical therapy include degenerative and inflammatory conditions.
Osteoarthritis (OA) occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down over time. Although OA can damage any joint, it commonly impacts the hands, knees, hips, and spine.
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
Arthritis can lead to muscle weakness, lack of joint function, and minimized mobility—all of which can throw off your balance. Physical therapists can introduce exercises that mimic everyday activities to improve balance and reduce the risk of falling.
‘E’ncourage Physical Activity
Low-impact physical activities can slow the progression and reduce the pain of arthritis. Your physical therapist will assess your current strength and mobility and prescribe exercises tailored to what you enjoy, what you can do, and what will improve your strength.
‘L’essen Joint Stress by Strengthening Muscles
Arthritis can wear down the protective cartilage around your joints, which can cause extremely painful friction. Physical therapists will help you strengthen the muscles around your impaired joint, which will decrease friction and ease the pain.
‘I’ncrease Range of Motion & Mobility
Arthritis can come with stiffness and severe pain, which can deter patients from wanting to move at all. Through a combination of manual techniques, mobility exercises, and stretching, physical therapy can improve your ability to move with comfort.
‘E’nhance Posture Alignment
Posture can easily slip our minds, but proper posture can improve your arthritis symptoms. So, it’s time to start paying attention! Physical therapists can give you ways to adjust your posture during sitting, standing, or exercising to take the stress off joints.
‘F’ocus on Flexibility
Participating in daily stretching can help your stiff joints and improve mobility. Physical therapists can prescribe stretches that will target your afflicted joints. Even the smallest increase in range of motion can drastically improve your life! For example, just a few extra degrees of movement can let you comfortably pick up your grandchild, sit in a chair, or bend down to reach objects.
Take a Stand and Find Arthritis Relief Today
Physical therapy has been proven to improve the symptoms of people suffering from arthritis. According to one study, patients who participated in physical therapy for knee osteoarthritis experienced 50% less pain with improved function compared to those who did stretching and mobilization exercises on their own.
Over time, many people with arthritis slowly stop participating in their favorite activities due to pain. Your physical therapist can help you build strength and mobility, and will help you find new, joint-friendly activities to get you moving safely again. Don’t settle for less, choose physical therapy to get the most out of life!
To learn more, call your nearest Bay State Physical Therapy location or complete the form below to request an appointment.
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