ARTHRITIS

“Arthritis” is a term used to describe inflammation of the joints.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and usually is caused by the deterioration of a joint. Typically, the weight-bearing joints are affected, with the knee and the hip being the most common.

Although osteoarthritis cannot be reversed, its symptoms often can be effectively managed through conservative approaches like exercise and physical therapist treatment.

Research has shown that light to moderate activities such as walking, biking, and swimming can provide more benefits than harm to your joints, and promote weight loss.

People with pain due to arthritis should see a physical therapist before opting for surgery or opioids.

PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS

We help patients understand arthritis and its complications, provide treatments to reduce pain and improve movement, and offer education about obesity and healthy lifestyle choices. Our health coaching services are a great compliment to our holistic approach. 

Maintain or Increase Your Range of Motion – Osteoarthritis can make a joint stiff. Physical therapy can improve your ability to bend and straighten a joint. Even incremental improvements in a joint’s range of motion can make a significant difference in joint function. For example, getting an arthritic knee to bend just 10 more may allow you to comfortably get in and out of low chairs.

Strengthen the Muscles that Support an Arthritic Joint – When osteoarthritis causes protective cartilage to wear away in a joint, there can be painful friction between the joint’s bones. You can decrease this friction by strengthening the surrounding muscles that support the joint. A skilled physical therapist can identify areas of impairments and teach you how to address these impairments with functional strengthening to help you improve strength and stability in your joints.

Improve Balance – Individuals with osteoarthritis often have impaired balance resulting from muscle weakness, decreased joint function, decreased mobility, and other factors. In addition to functional strengthening (mentioned above), skilled physical therapists may also incorporate balance components into your treatment plan that include changes in terrain/surface, walking distances, and elevation to simulate daily functional tasks in effort to improve balance and reduce your risk of falling.

Adjust Your Posture – Good posture can take stress off arthritic joints. Your physical therapist can educate you about ways to adjust your posture and put less stress on joints as you sit, stand, and walk. This may include suggestions to modify your environment at home and work, and even in your car.

Simple changes, such as adjusting the position of your car seat, can put less stress on your arthritic joint(s) to make your daily routine easier.