Physical therapy for Arthritis is a proven way to safely and effectively improve mobility. Physical therapists are licensed professionals who practice after completing their graduate degrees and gaining clinical experience. They diagnose, treat, and help prevent conditions that limit the body’s ability to move and function daily. Whether recovering from an injury or managing a chronic condition, physical therapy can help you move and feel better.
Physical therapy concentrates on the body’s capacity to engage in movement. Movement can be anything from getting in and out of chairs to climbing stairs, walking in with your residents, playing sports, or doing recreational activities.
SYMPTOMS OF ARTHRITIS
Arthritis can happen in many joints, from the shoulders to the feet. Osteoarthritis most typically affects weight-bearing joints in the knees and hips. In comparison, rheumatoid Arthritis begins in the fingers and toes and migrates to larger joints such as ankles, knees, elbows, and hips. Moderate to painful Arthritis can damage your ability to complete activities of daily living such as bathing, cooking, and walking. Early signs and symptoms include:
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Redness
- Reduced range of motion
Physical Therapy Goals for Arthritis Patients
Arthritis can cause joint pain and swelling, reduced mobility, and limited range of motion. Along with different treatment options, physical therapy can help people with Arthritis:
- Reduce joint pain
- Improve mobility and range of motion of a joint
- Strengthen supporting muscles
- Enhance balance and stability
Working closely with a licensed physical therapist and sticking to the treatment plan created by a physical therapist can significantly benefit a person’s overall well-being and quality of life.
Benefits
Physical therapy, particularly physical therapy that includes exercise, offers many advantages for Arthritis. These contain:
- Helping work around injuries: People with pain and injuries may locomote in ways that cause further injuries or pain. For instance, a physical therapist can guide a person using a walker without stooping or adopting a posture that drives back pain.
- Strengthening muscles and improving joint mobility: Individuals with Arthritis may hesitate to exercise because they think it will aggravate their condition. Physical therapy allows them to exercise safely, strengthening muscles and joints. This can help control pain from a passive lifestyle, promote general strength, and improve mobility.
- Reducing pain: Physical therapy may benefit. Relieves pain by strengthening muscles and joints and facilitating secondary complications from a sedentary lifestyle.
- Modifying the environment: Different environmental modifications, including specific devices, may reduce arthritis symptoms. Physical therapists may suggest these modifications and instruct people to use devices such as canes and braces.
- Working around injuries: Physical therapists can train people to adapt to injuries and pain in a way that does not worsen them.
Types of physical therapy for Arthritis
Numerous types of physical therapy can help with Arthritis. They possess:
- Manipulation: A physical therapist moves the concerned joint or surrounding area and may massage inflamed tissue.
- Exercise therapy: A physical therapist gives exact exercises to overcome muscle weaknesses or work around injuries.
- Orthotic support: A therapist suggests particular devices to make movement more comfortable.
- Post-surgical physical therapy: A therapist enables a person to regain functioning after surgery.
The type of physical therapy a person requires depends on the type of Arthritis they hold, its location, and their overall health. People should consult a physical therapist before beginning a physical therapy regimen at home.
Physical therapy for knee arthritis
One of the patients’ most common questions is: Can physical therapy help arthritic knees? Knee pain is general; with Arthritis, the muscles surrounding the knee can weaken, and the knee joints can become rigid. It causes difficulty in completing even simple tasks like getting out of bed.
It is also difficult to control the pain as overusing the knees can aggravate joint health, but too small movement weakens the knees. Physical therapy for the knee allows one to find the required balance, keeping the knee joints moving sufficiently to stay healthy and strong.
It helps decrease swelling, stiffness, and pain and makes daily life much more comfortable as it brings back the power to bend the knee, sit or squat without strain, and walk longer distances. In addition to that, physical therapy of the knee can slow or completely prevent surgery.
Physical therapy for hip arthritis
Hip arthritis is the inflammation and swelling away of the hip joint cartilage. The joint then becomes swollen and, over time, can generate pain, stiffness, muscle weakness, and limited function.
Physical therapy for hip Arthritis can help manage the condition and relieve pain, improve walking ability, standing balance and strength, and reduce pain.
Physical therapy for neck arthritis
Arthritis can impact the neck, too. However, since most of the time, there are no signs for quite a while, the condition is usually diagnosed later.
When the symptoms appear, it’s usually stiffness or pain in the neck that can be worsened by looking up or down for a long time or holding the neck in the same position for a long time, e.g., while driving.
Physical therapy for neck arthritis can help handle the condition by strengthening weak and strained muscles. It also helps enhance the range of motion and relieves pain and stiffness.
Physical therapy for lower back arthritis
Does physical therapy relieve Arthritis in the back? It is a common question, and the answer is – that it accomplishes it. Aging, different health conditions, or injuries can induce Arthritis in the spine, and the discs and joints start to break down.
Physical therapy can help control the pain with properly selected exercises, leading to correct body posture for daily tasks and advising how to improve the surroundings to be more comfortable (e.g., recommending ergonomic chairs).
Physical therapy for wrist arthritis
If you experience a weak grip, pain, and limited range of motion in your wrists could be a sign of wrist arthritis. Physical therapy can help you manage the condition by correcting postural deficits and alleviating pain. The therapy may involve various techniques, such as hand exercises, heat therapy, and splints.
All in all
Physical Therapy for Migraines emerges as a cornerstone in the comprehensive management of various forms of Arthritis, offering a multifaceted approach to alleviate pain, enhance mobility, and improve overall quality of life. Through targeted exercises, stretching routines, and tailored interventions, physical therapists empower individuals to regain control over their bodies, fostering joint flexibility and muscle strength. This personalized care not only mitigates the immediate symptoms of Arthritis but also addresses the underlying causes, promoting long-term resilience.
Moreover, the guidance and support provided by physical therapists extend beyond the clinic, encouraging patients to incorporate positive lifestyle changes that reinforce the benefits of therapy. By embracing the holistic benefits of physical therapy, individuals with Arthritis can navigate their daily lives with increased comfort and functionality, unlocking the potential for a more active and fulfilling existence.
