What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a common health condition affecting over 50 million American adults. Though there are many different types of arthritis, the most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis. This type of arthritis often affects older adults.
Osteoarthritis develops when the cartilage in your joints wears away over time, leading to joint pain and inflammation. Arthritis can be quite painful and often makes it difficult to perform everyday activities.
Although arthritis is sometimes treated with medication, physical therapy can also provide significant pain relief for many adults and physical therapy can also help patients learn to manage arthritis symptoms in the long-term.
How Does Physical Therapy Help People Living with Arthritis?
At Results Physical Therapy, our physical therapists can help improve your mobility and restore the use of your affected joints by focusing on:
- Your ability to engage in movement
- Your strength and ability to support your joints
- Your overall physical fitness
- Your ability to perform daily activities
The physical therapists at Results Physical Therapy develop an individualized rehabilitation plan for each patient. Your plan will help you improve your flexibility, strength, coordination, and balance to achieve optimal mobility and to decrease pain.
Your physical therapist can also teach you proper posture and body mechanics. Improved posture and gait can help relieve pain and improve bodily functions. If you need to use a mobility aid like a cane or walker, your physical therapist will show you how to use this device.
In some cases, your physical therapist may also suggest environmental modifications. Adjusting the environment in your home or workplace can make daily activities more comfortable and less stressful for your joints and muscles.
What Can I Expect From a Physical Therapy Session?
Results Physical Therapy uses multiple and varied therapeutic techniques to relieve arthritis symptoms. Your physical therapist will develop a treatment plan designed to meet your individual needs.
Your physical therapy sessions may include:
- Manual therapy to relieve tension, reduce inflammation, or realign your body
- Thermal treatments like ice packs and heating pads to ease joint pain and stiffness
- Joint protection technique to prevent pain and joint damage in the future
- The use of assistive devices and functional bracing to relieve pain and improve joint function
If you need help managing your arthritis symptoms, call Results Physical Therapy today, or book an appointment online.
