Arthritis Specialist

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is joint swelling and tenderness that affects mobility. Arthritis is a general medical term, not a diagnosis. There are many types of arthritis and conditions that cause arthritis, including:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Gout
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis

Arthritis may affect any joint in the body and develop at any age. Symptoms tend to worsen over time, affecting mobility and quality of life. 

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

Arthritis symptoms vary depending on the cause. Joint swelling and pain are the most common symptoms. Your joint may also be stiff with a limited range of motion. Some types of arthritis cause joint redness and warmth. 

You may experience arthritis in any joint in your body; it is common in weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and back. 

When should I seek physical therapy for arthritis?

Arthritis is a common condition, but not one you should ignore. Getting help for your arthritis during the early stages may prevent permanent joint damage.

If you have arthritis, schedule an appointment with the team at Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Center. They can design an active treatment plan that eases stress on your joints, reducing pain and inflammation and the risk of joint damage. 

The team also cares for bursitis and tendinopathy, which are conditions that also cause joint pain. 

Bursitis

Bursitis is inflammation of the bursae, which are fluid-filled sacs that cushion the soft tissue in your joints and reduce friction. 

Tendinopathy

Tendinopathy is inflammation and damage to the tendons that connect the muscle to your joint. 

How can physical therapy help arthritis?

The Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Center team focuses on improving how your body moves to reduce your arthritis symptoms and prevent or delay joint damage. 

The team takes a patient-centered approach to care, designing personalized plans that meet your functional needs and goals. 

Before making any treatment recommendations, your physical therapist conducts a comprehensive initial evaluation, reviewing your medical history and assessing your body’s strength, mobility, and flexibility. They also ask about your goals.

Your treatment plan may include:

• Education about your condition
• One-on-one care with a physical therapist
• Manual therapy (e.g., manual stretching, joint mobilization)
• Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM)
• Electrical stimulation
• Ultrasound therapy
• Moist heat and ice
• Home exercise program
• Dry needling

Your physical therapist assesses and adjusts your goals at regular intervals and modifies your plan as needed. 

There’s no need to let arthritis keep you from living your life. Schedule an appointment at Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Center by calling the office or booking online today.