Arthritis, a condition affecting millions worldwide – can cause pain, stiffness, and a reduced range of motion in the joints. Yet, despite these challenges, there are ways to manage arthritis symptoms and improve your quality of life. One highly effective solution is physical therapy. Read on to learn how physical therapy treatment can help with arthritis pain.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a degenerative disease that wears down cartilage (the cushioning tissue) within joints. This wear and tear leads to bone rubbing against bone, causing inflammation, pain, and restricted movement. The most common types include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. They can affect any joint in the body – from the hands to the knees, to the spine.
How can Physical Therapy help pain from arthritis?
Physical therapy for arthritis aims to alleviate pain and improve mobility. It offers a non-invasive, non-addictive alternative to prescription opioids, which are commonly prescribed for arthritis pain. Additionally, physical therapy can reduce immediate pain and provide long-term relief by improving joint health through strength and flexibility exercises. Experienced physical therapists can create personalized physical therapy plans that include range-of-motion exercises to improve flexibility, strengthening exercises to support the joints, and low-impact aerobic training to enhance overall health.
Living with Arthritis
Scheduling regular physical therapy appointments can be the first step to making it easier to live with arthritis. It also encourages the self-management of arthritis pain. Physical therapists provide you with tools and techniques to implement in your daily life to manage pain and improve mobility. With continued practice, these methods can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals living with arthritis.
Don’t let arthritis pain define your life. Explore the benefits of physical therapy and experience firsthand how it can bring relief, enhance mobility, and renew your independence. Contact Activity First Physical Therapy today to get started.