Arthritis is a pretty common term used to describe over 100 different types of joint pain and disease. Many people believe that arthritis only affects elderly people, but this is far from the truth. According to a study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine, about 30 percent of male athletes who regularly play contact sports such as football, basketball, or soccer will develop arthritis in their knees and hips at some point.
Many people attempt to ease their pain with over the counter medications, but unfortunately, these can cause some nasty, long-lasting side effects. Have no fear though, if you’re looking for a natural and safe treatment for arthritis pain, physical therapy is a great option! Contact Total Care Physical Therapy office today to learn how you can kick your medications while still relieving your arthritis pain.
Physical therapy can help relieve different types of arthritis pain
There are many types of arthritis but three of the most common are:
- Inflammatory Arthritis: The immune system attacks joint structures in some types of arthritis, causing severe inflammation. One example of this type of ailment is rheumatoid arthritis. Inflammatory arthritis is frequently caused by a genetic mutation and is typically treated with high doses of prescription and over-the-counter medications. Physical therapy may be prescribed for treatment as well, depending on the severity of the symptoms.
- Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. This particular condition is caused by a reduction in joint cartilage as it wears away over time. This degeneration causes bones to rub together, which leads to pain and swelling. Physical therapy can often help to reduce osteoarthritis pain without medication, especially if the arthritis is mild to moderate.
- Metabolic Arthritis: This kind of arthritis is typically caused by reduced kidney function. The most common type of metabolic arthritis is gout, a condition caused by uric acid crystals building up in the joints of the extremities, especially the feet. Physical therapy can help gout patients restore range of motion in the affected area and even reduce the buildup of the acidic crystals that accumulate in the joints.
Why medication can’t truly help with arthritis
It’s pretty common for doctors to prescribe an NSAID pain reliever to a patient with arthritis, such as Advil or ibuprofen, antibiotics, corticosteroids, or antirheumatic drugs. Even though these can provide temporary pain relief, they all carry a risk of side effects, some of which can be extremely serious. NSAIDs can cause you to have a higher chance of developing a blood clot, having a stroke or heart attack.
Corticosteroids aren’t much better — they contribute to high blood sugar levels, cataracts, and even bone loss, which is the last thing a patient with arthritis needs!
PT for arthritis
According to Healthline, “the symptoms of arthritis usually develop over time, but they may also appear suddenly. Arthritis is most commonly seen in adults over the age of 65, but it can also develop in children, teens, and younger adults. Arthritis is more common in women than men and in people who are overweight.
Physical therapy is a pain management method that is completely safe, natural, and effective. Your physical therapist will be properly trained and licensed to treat your ailment. The ultimate goal of working with a physical therapist to manage arthritis pain is to maintain or restore your normal range of motion, increase muscular strength to lessen joint stress, and explore other natural treatment options.
Here are some of the benefits of working with our physical therapists:
- Improved posture: A physical therapist can help you to improve your posture, which will also help to reduce stress on your joints. Sitting and standing up straight does wonders for your pain!
- Better sleep schedule: Your physical therapist will also recommend setting a solid schedule for rest and sleep to complement your exercises. Resting helps the body to heal faster and decrease arthritis inflammation and pain.
- Weight control: Your physical therapist will work with you to control your weight through exercise and diet. Watching your weight prevents added stress on your joints, which is a leading cause of arthritis symptoms.
- Learn new exercises and stretches: Physical therapy treatment typically includes light exercises and stretching to help restore and increase range of motion in the affected painful areas.
Call our clinic today for more information
You don’t have to suffer any longer. Our physical therapists can help you with arthritis in your hands, knees, or ankles, whether it’s caused by aging, repetitive motion, or something else entirely. Keep in mind that each treatment plan is unique to the needs of the patient and the type of arthritis they have. Calling and making an appointment with one of our therapists is the best way to get started on a med-free treatment through physical therapy.
Your therapist will assess your condition, pinpoint the source of your pain, ask you some health-related questions, and create a specialized treatment plan specifically catered to you and your needs. Say goodbye to harmful medication. Contact us today to get on the road to recovery from arthritis pain!
