Arthritis

Arthritis symptoms can affect an individual on a daily basis. Physical therapy is a conservative, non-invasive and effective arthritis treatment, which typically affects the articulating joints of the body such as the hip, knee, shoulder, and hand. Arthritis can also affect the spinal column known as degenerative disc disease (DDD). The primary focus of therapy is to regain overall range of motion and flexibility to help improve joint mobility as well as increase strength and endurance for improved independence with daily activities.

This is accomplished in the following ways:

  • Flexibility: These exercises help improve overall joint mobility and muscle flexibility.
  • Strength: In addition to increasing flexibility, muscle strength is important to provide stability to the affected joint. Not only is muscle used to move joints, but it also acts as a “shock absorber”.
  • Endurance: Muscle endurance is another important factor. Endurance is the muscle’s ability to perform an activity over an extended period of time. Strength usually diminishes due to a lack of endurance. With increased endurance strength is preserved. As a result, an individual can tolerate daily activities for an extended period of time.

There are two main types of arthritis which include Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). 

  • OA is a result of cartilage wear and tear, causing bones to rub together which leads to inflammation. 
  • RA is an autoimmune disease that triggers unwanted symptoms in the body when the immune system attacks healthy tissue. 

While medication can be prescribed to help relieve pain, we recommend a natural approach such as physical therapy. 

Different types of arthritis pain you may be experiencing and that physical therapy can help:

  • Inflammatory arthritis
  • Psoriatic arthritis
  • Hip arthritis
  • Septic arthritis
  • Degenerative arthritis 
  • Post traumatic arthritis

In addition, physical therapy can also provide some residual benefits such as:

  • Chronic pain relief
  • Increased cardiovascular fitness
  • Weight loss
  • Increased patient knowledge on his/her condition

Find a location that offers Arthritis near you

Our Clinics that Offer Treatment for Arthritis

Articles Related to Arthritis

  • How to Manage Arthritis Pain

    This content was updated for accuracy and relevance on June 9, 2023 Osteoarthritis is a common condition involving the chronic degeneration of the cartilage that covers the ends of a bone. The cartilage degeneration then produces ongoing micro-damage within joint...

    Read More
  • What is the Best Treatment for Osteoarthritis?

    This content was updated for accuracy and relevance on 04/18/23   There are different treatment options for osteoarthritis, ranging from medications to specific osteoarthritis physical therapy. If you're experiencing joint pain, tenderness, and stiffness you may be wondering if it's...

    Read More
  • Tips on How to Prevent Arthritis

    This content was updated for accuracy and relevance on 04/18/23   It is estimated that 20% of Americans over the age of 18 have arthritis in at least one joint. Our bodies are designed with shock-absorbing cartilage that cushions your...

    Read More
  • 5 Ways to Manage Chronic and Persistent Pain

    Living with chronic pain can take its toll physically and psychologically. Many chronic pain patients find it difficult to do daily tasks and enjoy simple things in life. Work. Recreation. Shopping. Self-care activities. Time with family and friends. Everything is...

    Read More
  • What You Need to Know About Arthritis

    Did you know that over 50 million adults have arthritis? According to Arthritis.org, there are more than 100 types of arthritis and over 50 million adults and 300,000 children have some form of the disease. "People of all ages, sexes, and...

    Read More