Arthritis Relief
Don't Let Joint Pain Limit Your Life
Arthritis is a common health condition affecting more than 23% of people in the United States. It causes joint pain and stiffness that typically worsens over time, often leading to disability and reduced quality of life.
At the Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Center, our team of experienced physical therapists designs customized treatment plans to ease arthritis pain and improve joint function and mobility. We help you manage symptoms and maintain your active lifestyle.
Arthritis Q & A
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is joint swelling and tenderness that affects mobility and function. While arthritis is a general medical term rather than a specific diagnosis, it encompasses many different conditions that cause joint inflammation and pain.
There are many types of arthritis and related conditions, including:
Arthritis may affect any joint in the body and can develop at any age. Symptoms tend to worsen over time, significantly affecting mobility, independence, and overall quality of life if left untreated.
What are the symptoms of arthritis?
Arthritis symptoms vary depending on the specific type and cause, but there are common signs that indicate joint involvement and inflammation.
Joint swelling and pain are the most common symptoms of arthritis. Your joints may also feel stiff with limited range of motion, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity. Some types of arthritis cause additional symptoms like joint redness, warmth to the touch, and visible inflammation.
While arthritis can affect any joint in your body, it's particularly common in weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and spine. These joints endure significant stress during daily activities, making them more susceptible to arthritic changes and pain.
The team at startPTNow also provides expert care for related conditions that cause joint pain, including bursitis (inflammation of the fluid-filled bursae sacs that cushion joints) and tendinopathy (inflammation and damage to the tendons connecting muscles to joints).
How can physical therapy help arthritis?
Physical therapy helps arthritis by improving how your body moves to reduce symptoms and prevent or delay joint damage. Early intervention is crucial - getting help during the initial stages of arthritis may prevent permanent joint damage and maintain your functional independence.
The startPTNow team takes a patient-centered approach to care, designing personalized treatment plans that meet your specific functional needs and lifestyle goals.
Before making any treatment recommendations, your physical therapist conducts a comprehensive initial evaluation, reviewing your medical history and assessing your strength, joint mobility, flexibility, and movement patterns. They also discuss your personal goals and daily challenges.
Your customized arthritis treatment plan may include:
Manual Therapy
- Manual stretching
- Joint mobilization
- Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM)
- Myofascial release
- Dry needling
Therapeutic Modalities
- Electrical stimulation
- Ultrasound therapy
- Moist heat and ice therapy
- Pain management techniques
- Inflammation reduction strategies
Education & Exercise
- Condition education and management
- Personalized home exercise program
- Joint protection techniques
- Activity modification guidance
- One-on-one therapeutic care
Your physical therapist regularly assesses and adjusts your goals, modifying your treatment plan as needed to ensure continuous progress. This dynamic approach ensures you receive the most effective care for your changing needs.
Don't let arthritis keep you from living your active life. Schedule an appointment at StartPTNow by calling or booking online today.
