Arthritis is a progressive disease that affects millions of Americans. It’s characterized by joint pain and swelling, as well as decreased range of motion in the affected areas. While there are medications to manage many forms of arthritis, physical therapy offers an effective form of relief without any side effects or long-term risks associated with medication use, is non-invasive, and requires no downtime as compared to surgery and other invasive treatments.
If you are interested in arthritis treatment that involves no medication or going under the knife, physical therapy may be right for you. Continue reading to learn more about how physical therapy is used as a complementary treatment to arthritis.
Treating Arthritis with Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can help reduce inflammation in arthritic joints while increasing flexibility and strength through specific exercises tailored to a patient’s needs. These exercises may include stretching, strengthening activities such as weightlifting or resistance training, aerobic exercise like walking or swimming for improved cardiovascular health, and balance work using tools such as wobble boards or stability balls to improve coordination and prevent falls due to weakened muscles surrounding arthritic joints.
Additionally, physical therapists often incorporate hands-on techniques into their treatments, including massage techniques to help muscles relax and increase circulation throughout the body, resulting in the loosening of stiff joints and improving joint function. Physical therapists may also use ultrasound waves to penetrate deep within muscle tissue to reduce pain and promote healing, and electrical stimulation therapy (TENS) to further improve the feeling of pain and discomfort in arthritic joints.
In addition to exercise programs, physical therapists also provide education about proper postural alignment during everyday tasks, so stress can be alleviated from affected joints. Moreover, they can also suggest a variety of modifications regarding workplace setup, as well as other strategies, which include aids like splints and braces that provide added support to joints. Additionally, recommendations related to your diet may also be given to support your overall health and reduce inflammation in the body.
The Goal of Physical Therapy for Arthritis
The goal of physical therapy is not only symptom management but also prevention against further damage occurring in already compromised structures within an arthritic joint. This could mean avoiding movements that cause more harm than good and accelerate the breakdown of structures over time. Physical therapy treatments also aim to strengthen the muscles around the joint area, which reduces joint stress.
Physical therapy is a non-surgical, low-risk treatment for arthritis. It is also individualized to the patient, and physical therapists determine what works best for each patient individually, so they can return to living their life comfortably and healthily once again, despite arthritis.
Physical Therapy for Arthritis in Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Oklahoma, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia
Chronic pain from arthritis can be seriously disabling. Our highly skilled team of physical therapists at H2 Health is experienced in treating patients with this condition. We are committed to the improvement of your symptoms and quality of life through carefully considered prescribed therapies. We are happy to offer a free initial screening for our patients. To schedule your visit, call our office today at (800) 699-9395, or use our convenient online request form.
