Arthritis is a disorder of the joints that millions of people live with. It results in joint inflammation that can cause aches, pains, stiffness, and limited mobility. While there are over 100 types of arthritis, they are typically split into two categories: monoarthritis, meaning only one joint is affected, and oligoarthritis, meaning multiple joints are affected.
The two most commonly reported types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis develops from “wear and tear” of cartilage, while rheumatoid arthritis develops from an overactive immune system.
If you’re living with arthritis, then you know how limiting it can be. While arthritis is debilitating, it can undoubtedly be managed!
If you believe you may be living with arthritic symptoms, contact Balance Physical Therapy as soon as possible. We’ll help you manage your arthritic aches and pains and have you feeling better in no time.
I’m not sure if I have arthritis. What should I do?
First and foremost, if you think you might have arthritis, you should see your primary health care physician. They will perform a comprehensive examination, looking for disease-related symptoms such as inflammation and/or deformity.
They’ll go over your symptoms and order any blood tests, urine tests, joint fluid testing, or x-rays they think you need. If these tests reveal that you have arthritis, your doctor will devise a treatment plan for you based on the location and severity of your problem. This treatment strategy may include rest, exercise, and medications as needed.
You may likely be referred to a physical therapist to help guide you through your exercise routines. This is done to measure progress and ensure that you are completing your physical activity safely and correctly.
Physical therapy is a proven aid in arthritic pain relief without harmful pain-management drugs. According to the Arthritis Center at Johns Hopkins,
“Physical activity is essential to optimizing both physical and mental health and can play a vital role in the management of arthritis. Regular physical activity can keep the muscles around affected joints strong, decrease bone loss, and may help control joint swelling and pain. Regular activity replenishes lubrication to the cartilage of the joint and reduces stiffness and pain. Exercise also helps to enhance energy and stamina by decreasing fatigue and improving sleep. Exercise can enhance weight loss and promote long-term weight management in those with arthritis who are overweight.”
Early diagnosis can help avoid joint damage and disability, so you must contact a doctor as soon as you think you may be developing arthritic symptoms.
What should I expect with physical therapy?
Physical therapy is nothing to be scared of. It’s a safe and effective treatment method for a variety of chronic pain conditions, and you can rest assured you’re in good hands at our clinic.
While there is no known treatment for arthritis, physical therapy is a tried and true way of reducing pain and inflammation. Based on the type of arthritic illness and their needs, each patient is given a tailored treatment plan. Treatment regimens aid in the improvement of strength, mobility, and range of motion while also reducing pain.
Your physical therapist will provide you with targeted stretches and exercises for arthritic relief, in addition to any other methods he or she may deem fit. This may include manual therapy, soft tissue mobilization, ice and heat therapies, deep tissue massage, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation.
Any additional modality will be added under the discretion of your physical therapist if needed for other pain relief or mobility improvement. Remember, if at any time you want to talk with your therapist about a change in your treatment plan, you’re more than welcome to come to us!
Call our clinic today and say goodbye to arthritis pain
Are you ready to relieve your arthritic aches and pains? Does getting back into the swing of things without nagging chronic discomfort sound like a dream come true to you? If so, contact Balance Physical Therapy today.
We’ll help you manage your pain so you can get back to living your life!
