Have you been experiencing pain in your lower back, knees, hands, hips, or joints on a regular basis? Arthritis could be to blame.
Arthritis is a condition that causes pain, stiffness, edema, and inflammation in the joints. If you are struggling with joint pain or arthritis, you might tend to lean on over-the-counter medications for relief, but this is only temporary. What you need is safe, natural, long-lasting pain relief.
Physical therapy can provide this for you! Contact Total Care Physical Therapy office today to learn more about physical therapy and how a customized treatment plan could be the answer you’ve been looking for.
Types of arthritis
The term “monoarthritis” refers to a condition in which only one joint is inflamed. Oligoarthritis is a kind of arthritis in which two or three joints are affected. Many people with arthritis lose movement or have their range of motion reduced because their joints are too swollen to move.
There are over 100 types of arthritis. Below is a list of some of the most common ones and what part of the body they affect the most.
- Osteoarthritis. This condition occurs due to the wear and tear of the cartilage. It typically affects the spine, hands, knees, and hips.
- Rheumatoid arthritis. This results from an overactive immune system. It affects the hands, feet, elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles.
- Psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis typically affects large joints, causing inflammation in the places where tendons and ligaments connect to bone.
- Gout. This condition is extremely painful and occurs when there is an increased level of uric acid in your bloodstream.
Arthritis is the most common chronic illness in the nation. According to Arthritis.org, “More than 50 million adults and 300,000 children have some type of arthritis. It is most common among women and occurs more frequently as people get older.” This is most likely why there is a misconception that arthritis only affects the elderly.
Arthritis can make people unable to work, and many are forced to go on disability as a result. Arthritis pain can substantially disrupt a person’s daily routine, quality of life, and mobility.
Physical therapy has been shown to be highly beneficial for arthritic pain in studies. If you’re suffering from arthritic pain, give us a call to make an appointment with one of our highly trained physical therapists.
How is arthritis diagnosed by a physical therapist?
The earlier your arthritis is caught and diagnosed, the better chance you have of keeping your strength and mobility later in life. Early diagnosis can prevent disability and irreversible damage.
When you visit your physical therapist for the first time, he or she will examine your joints for deformity and inflammation, look for signs of disease and review your history of symptoms. They might also order blood or urine tests, x-rays, or joint fluid tests.
Your physical therapist will recommend exercise routines, medications, and rest. It’s important that you do the proper, safe exercises to avoid injury, so make sure you listen up when your physical therapist is giving you tips!
How can a PT help relieve arthritis pain?
Physical therapy is all about engaging in physical activity and exercise to improve your overall health. A physical therapist will create a treatment program that addresses all areas of the body.
For example, if you suffer from arthritis pain in the knee an exercise program will address the lower back, hip, and ankle, in addition to the knee. This is because all of these areas contribute to proper knee control. Proper lifting and squatting techniques may also be a part of the treatment plan as well as carrying heavy objects the right way so you can learn how to reduce unnecessary strain on your back.
Getting regular physical activity is essential to achieving the maximum levels of both physical and mental health, and it is critical for the management of arthritis.
Your physical therapy treatment might also include manual therapy with soft tissue mobilization, deep tissue massage, TENS, ice packs, and heat therapy. All of these treatments are passive modalities that reduce inflammation, increase blood circulation, reduce pain and enhance mobility and range of motion.
All around, physical therapy is a safe, natural, and noninvasive method for arthritis pain.
Call our clinic today for information
For people who suffer from arthritis, the pain can be taxing, uncomfortable, and debilitating. It’s made worse by the fact that there is currently no cure. Physical therapy, on the other hand, is a safe, natural, and noninvasive treatment choice for arthritic pain.
A physical therapist will be able to customize a therapeutic exercise program to improve your mobility and strength. If you’re suffering from arthritis pain, be sure to schedule an appointment with one of our certified physical therapists. We are 100% committed to your success. Our research-driven treatments will help you get fast pain relief, and get your life back on track!
