Are you one of 24% of adults in the United States who have some form of arthritis? Joint inflammation can come in many forms. Arthritis can leave someone feeling unable to move their joints without pain or discomfort. This condition affects over half of people in the U.S. aged 18 to 64. The most common symptoms of arthritis are pain, swelling, limited range of motion and stiffness. Treatment for arthritis often involves corticosteroid injections, anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy. Physical therapy is one of the best methods for long-term and noninvasive relief.
What are some of the main types of arthritis that can be helped with physical therapy?
There are actually over 100 types of arthritis and related joint diseases in existence. These are just a few of the most common. Each of these types of arthritis can be treated with the help of a physical therapist. If you’re dealing with one of these arthritis types or one not listed below, don’t hesitate to reach out to a licensed physical therapist who can answer your questions.
- Osteoarthritis (OA) — Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition that involves the deterioration of the joints over time. It wears down the tissue surrounding the bones and most commonly affects the joints in the hands, neck, back, knees and hips.
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) — Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory joint condition that is characterized by the immune system attacking its own tissue. The immune system attacks the lining of the body’s joints and can cause bone damage. RA can affect the joints almost anywhere in the body but especially affect the hands and feet.
- Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) — Psoriatic arthritis is arthritis that affects people who also have psoriasis. It can cause inflammatory flare-ups in the joints that are accompanied by a psoriasis rash.
- Fibromyalgia — Fibromyalgia is a condition that involves sore muscles, fatigue, poor memory and poor mood. Most people with fibromyalgia will report experiencing an aching or burning sensation in their arms, legs, head, chest, back and bottom.
- Gout — Gout is another arthritis-related inflammatory condition. Gout occurs when a person has too much uric acid that collects in the joints of the body. In cases of gout, the acid that collects in the joints crystallizes and can make the joints painful, swollen and stiff. Gout can cause pain and swelling to occur suddenly in episodes or “attacks.”
How can physical therapy help someone dealing with arthritis?
Physical therapy can help someone who is struggling to manage their arthritis. It’s a great long-term treatment option. Physical therapy can also be paired with other treatments, like corticosteroid shots or pain medication. If you’ve undergone surgery or are planning to undergo surgery to repair or replace a damaged joint, physical therapy can also be an effective pre-/post-operative treatment. Here’s how else PT can help someone with arthritis:
- Reduce pain and inflammation — A physical therapist can gently guide you through movements and exercises that can loosen up the joints and decrease inflammation. If you’re experiencing pain from joint inflammation, trust your physical therapist to help you start feeling better.
- Reduce stiffness — Individuals who have inflamed joints will often stop moving their joints because of the pain and discomfort they experience during movement. However, inactivity only worsens stiffness and pain for those who have arthritis. A physical therapist can help you reduce some of that stiffness and create a routine in which you can regularly move your joints.
- Strengthen your muscles — Physical therapy can also help patients with arthritis strengthen their muscles. Increased muscle strength can provide additional support to the joints they encompass and may reduce joint inflammation and pain.
Alliance PTP is ready to help you find a caring partner to address your arthritis through physical therapy
Need a partner to help you address your arthritis symptoms? Alliance Physical Therapy Partners is here for you.
We can help you find the in-person or virtual physical therapy that’s right for you, and even better, we’ll help you find a team of caring professionals who are ready to walk with you through your entire PT journey. Don’t let your arthritis get in the way of your daily activities. Let a physical therapist help you get back on your feet.
Contact us today to start getting the care you need.
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