Are you living with arthritis? Do you think you may be experiencing symptoms of early onset arthritis? Do your joints feel painful, achy, or weak? You are not alone if you suffer from arthritis. In reality, people are diagnosed with more than 100 different forms of arthritis. The elderly are the most likely group to be diagnosed with arthritis; nevertheless, arthritic symptoms can occur in people as young as their early middle years.
In a study published by the American Journal of Sports Medicine, it was discovered that male athletes who participate in professional sports are more likely to develop arthritis in their lifetime than the rest of the general population. In fact, the results of the study stated that 30% of male athletes involved in contact sports will end up eventually developing arthritis in their knees and/or hips, due to overexertion and excessive “wear and tear.”
If so, contact Balance Physical Therapy in New Hampshire today to set up a consultation. We’ll design the best treatment plan for your needs.
Wait, you can treat arthritis without medication?
In short, absolutely!
Medication is a frequent treatment for arthritis, which is mainly used to manage pain. For arthritis treatment, your doctor may prescribe NSAID pain medications, corticosteroids, antirheumatic medicines, or antibiotics.
Medication is simple to take: just put it in your mouth, wash it down with water, and your pain will go away quickly. Pills, however, have certain negative side effects. In some situations they can even become habit-forming. Blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes are all possible side effects of NSAIDs. You run the risk of cataracts, excessive blood sugar, and bone loss when you use corticosteroids.
Physical therapy, fortunately, is a far safer and healthier option for treating arthritis.
If you believe you may be experiencing arthritic pain, and you’re looking for relief without the harmful risk of drugs, call our office today. We’ll set you up with a physical therapist who can help you kick the meds and reduce your arthritis symptoms!
Types of arthritis
You might be wondering what kind of arthritis you’re living with. That’s a totally normal thought, and we’re here to help you by listing the 3 most common types of arthritis our therapists see on a daily basis in patients just like yourself.
- Metabolic Arthritis. The most common type of metabolic arthritis is referred to as gout, a condition caused by uric acid crystals building up in the joints of the extremities, especially in the feet. This is typically a result of reduced kidney function. Physical therapy can help gout patients restore range of motion in the affected area, and it can even reduce the buildup of acidic crystals that accumulate in the joints.
- Osteoarthritis. The most prevalent type of arthritis is osteoarthritis. It is caused by a loss of joint cartilage as a result of “wear and tear” as one gets older. The wearing away of cartilage causes bones to rub against one other, causing pain and edema. Physical therapy, especially if the osteoarthritis is mild-to-moderate, can often assist to relieve pain without the use of medication.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis. This is the second most frequent type of arthritis, also known as inflammatory arthritis. It occurs when the immune system of the body targets joint tissues, causing severe inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis is frequently caused by a genetic mutation, and doctors typically treat it aggressively with medications. Physical therapy may be prescribed for treatment as well, depending on the severity of the symptoms.
How will physical therapy provide pain relief from arthritis symptoms?
Physical therapists at Balance Physical Therapy treat arthritis in patients of all ages. We are movement specialists who are trained to spot signs of arthritis and treat it accordingly.
There are 3 main goals of physical therapy treatments for arthritis 1) relieving pain by decreasing the stress on your joints, 2) increasing your strength, and 3) improving your functional movements and range of motion. This is done through targeted and proven methods, including:
- Posture improvement. The better your posture is, the less stress you’ll have on your joints.
- Stretching/exercise. Light exercises and stretching will help to increase range of motion in the affected areas.
- Weight control.Controlling your weight helps to prevent added stress on weight-bearing joints. Your physical therapist will work with you to control your weight through exercise and diet.
- Rest. Your therapist will also recommend a schedule for rest and sleep to complement your exercises. This helps the body to heal and will hopefully reduce your amount of arthritic inflammation and pain.
Hand the reins over to us…
Depending on the type of arthritis you have and the degree of your symptoms, your treatment plan will be customized for you. Contact Balance Physical Therapy in New Hampshire immediately if you’re looking for relief from your arthritic aches without the risk of possibly damaging pain medications.
We’ll assist you in obtaining the relief you require in a natural, safe way.
