We frequently see patients struggling with arthritis pain. This inflammatory condition causes discomfort and mobility restrictions throughout an affected joint and dramatically impacts our patients’ quality of life. If this sounds familiar to you, know that manual therapy for arthritis pain relief helps our patients tremendously–and it could help you, too.
Manual therapy refers to several techniques involving the physical therapists at Balance Rehabilitation & Health Science using their hands to manipulate muscles and joints, reducing pain and improving function. While we use it for all sorts of conditions, it’s particularly beneficial for those with arthritis.
Today, we want to deep-dive into manual therapy for arthritis pain relief. We’ll examine how some of these methods work, their benefits, and what you can expect from your sessions. If you’re looking for new ways to manage your arthritis, keep reading to find out if manual therapy might be the right choice for you!
Manual Therapy Techniques Used to Address Arthritis Pain
Joint Mobilization
- This technique involves moving a restricted joint through its current range of motion, helping to reduce stiffness and improve movement. It gradually increases joint mobility and can be especially beneficial for those with arthritis in the knees, hips, and hands.
Soft Tissue Mobilization
- This technique is similar to a massage (although there are some key differences). Our physical therapists manipulate the soft tissues around the joints with their hands, helping to reduce muscle tension and improve blood flow, which can relieve pain and enhance mobility.
Myofascial Release
- This technique focuses on releasing tension and restrictions in the strong, flexible tissue surrounding the muscles, called myofascia. By applying sustained pressure over the skin, therapists can alleviate restricted mobility and pain and improve overall function.
Trigger Point Therapy
- This method targets specific small, tender knots in the myofascia, known as trigger points. By applying pressure to these points, we can relieve pain and improve muscle function, which can be particularly helpful for those with arthritis-related discomfort.
The Role of Manual Therapy in an Arthritis Pain Relief Program
Physical therapists use manual therapy as part of a comprehensive arthritis treatment plan. This holistic approach helps patients manage their symptoms more effectively and achieve better long-term outcomes.
Arthritis has no cure, but regular movement and exercise are tremendously important in keeping your joints healthy and allowing you to stay active, mobile, and independent. However, because arthritis can cause pain during movement, many people shy away from exercise, which only worsens their symptoms.
However, by integrating manual therapy techniques with tailored exercise programs, the team at Balance Rehabilitation & Health Science can help you move more freely and with less pain. Manual therapy prepares the body for exercise by reducing acute pain levels and improving joint mobility, making it easier for you to engage in physical activities that are crucial for managing arthritis.
Our physical therapists will also work closely with you to develop an exercise program that suits your needs, abilities, and interests. We’ll start slowly and gradually build in intensity as you see improvements in your pain and immobility levels.
Find Relief from Arthritis Pain Today!
Research shows that combining manual therapy for arthritis pain relief with regular exercise can significantly improve pain and function in arthritis patients. The physical therapists at Balance Rehabilitation & Health Science are excited to help you experience this benefit for yourself. Schedule an appointment at our NH clinic today for a comprehensive assessment and personalized arthritis treatment program!
