Has Arthritis Pain Been Controlling Your Life?
It’s Possible To Live a Comfortable and Active Life Through The Help of PT!
Do you wake up in the morning with stiff joints that make it difficult to move around? Even if things become better as the day goes on, you could still be dealing with early-onset arthritis.
Arthritis is a common ailment that affects many people; yet, many people wait far too long to seek expert care for their hurting joints.
Physical therapy, fortunately, is one of the therapeutic options for arthritic pain. One of our qualified physical therapists in Boardman, OH or East Liverpool, OH will do gentle exercises in the affected joint at Infinity Physical Therapy to assist improve your range of motion, flexibility, and general function(s).
They can also determine which joints are stiff and uncomfortable, as well as which exercises can assist you relieve arthritis pain while you go about your everyday activities.
Your physical therapist will also provide you with the resources and knowledge you need to prevent arthritis-related injuries in the future.
Schedule an appointment with Infinity Physical Therapy today if you have arthritis or suspect you may have arthritic symptoms. We are here to help!
What kinds of arthritis are there?
Arthritis causes pain and inflammation, and it can affect one or multiple joints at once. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two most commonly experienced types:
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis can be caused by a sudden injury to the joint, or it can develop after a previous injury has fully healed.
Let’s say you played football and received a rough blow to your knee. You probably received treatment, recovered, and returned to the game thinking all was well again with your body.
Although the injury healed, there is a possibility that the damage that occurred to the cartilage or surrounding muscles has resulted in a decrease of support to the joint. The motion of the joint may also have slightly been altered. Therefore, it is still possible for you to develop osteoarthritis from that injury later in life.
Osteoarthritis is typically easy to diagnose, as it is the most commonly experienced form of arthritis. It occurs when the cartilage of the joint wears down, either due to age or overuse.
The cartilage no longer acts as the substantial cushion that it once did, causing pain in the joint. The bones grind together without a cushion, causing an inflammatory response in the joint.
This is also true for people who work in vocations that require repetitive motion or usage of specific body parts. Let’s pretend you’re a construction worker. You may develop osteoarthritis in the joints of your elbows or hands if you swing a hammer in repetitive motions as part of your employment.
Being overweight may also put you at a higher risk for developing osteoarthritis, as it adds additional strain to your knee and hip joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis
If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you may notice that pain can get worse when you move, for example, bending over at the knees to pick something up may be uncomfortable for you. Rheumatoid arthritis is also referred to as “inflammatory arthritis,” and is also fairly common.
This condition is typically more prevalent in females than males as well. Those living from arthritis typically report soreness around joints, which is worse after prolonged sitting, standing, or inactivity.
Rheumatoid arthritis develops as an autoimmune response, meaning that the immune system sees the joints as a threat and decides to attack them.
Researchers have come to believe that a person’s medical history, environment, and hormones could all be contributing factors toward the development of rheumatoid arthritis. Because it is an autoimmune condition, it is common for it to affect the same joints on different sides of the body.
You may notice popping or clicking sounds in the affected joint(s) with movement, and the joint may be sensitive or painful to the touch. Arthritis can also cause pain when you exercise or work, and the pain may go away after you stop doing that activity.
How can a physical therapist help relieve arthritis?
Physical therapy and exercise-based rehab aid in the restoration of normal joint movement, the improvement of muscular strength, and the improvement of the way you walk, run, twist, and move.
Physical therapy can, in many situations, help you avoid surgery and possibly addictive medications. Our treatments are tailored to your unique needs, allowing you to heal faster and get a longer-lasting outcome. We also show you how to prevent future joint injuries and what rehabilitative exercises you can do on your own.
If you have arthritis or suspect you may have it, you could benefit greatly from our physical therapy services in Boardman and East Liverpool, OH.
FAQ’s
What are the common signs and symptoms of arthritis?
Common arthritis symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, tenderness, and reduced range of motion. Symptoms may be especially noticeable after periods of inactivity or when performing activities that place stress on the affected joint. Arthritis can make everyday movements such as walking, climbing stairs, bending, gripping objects, or exercising more difficult.
Can physical therapy help with both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?
Yes. Physical therapy can help people with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis improve joint mobility, strength, flexibility, and overall function. While physical therapy does not cure arthritis, a personalized treatment program can help manage symptoms and make everyday activities more comfortable. At Infinity Physical Therapy, treatment is tailored to each patient’s condition, symptoms, and functional goals.
What exercises are best for arthritis pain relief?
The best exercises for arthritis depend on which joints are affected, the severity of your symptoms, and your current level of mobility and strength. A physical therapist may recommend gentle range-of-motion exercises, strengthening exercises, flexibility work, and functional movements that help support the affected joints without unnecessarily aggravating symptoms.
What joints can arthritis physical therapy help with?
Physical therapy can help manage arthritis affecting many areas of the body, including the knees, hips, shoulders, spine, hands, wrists, and other joints. Treatment focuses on improving the strength and mobility surrounding affected joints while helping patients move more efficiently and comfortably during everyday activities.
When should I see a physical therapist for arthritis pain?
Consider seeing a physical therapist when arthritis pain or stiffness begins limiting your mobility, exercise, work, or everyday activities. You don’t have to wait until arthritis becomes severe to seek treatment. The physical therapists at Infinity Physical Therapy can assess your joint mobility, strength, and movement and develop a personalized plan to help you stay active and manage arthritis symptoms.
Rid yourself of chronic aches and pains today!
Arthritis is impeding your progress. You have earned the right to live a pain-free life.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you find long-term pain relief for your arthritis.
All of our patients receive the finest level of care, compassion, and understanding. You may rest assured that your symptoms and concerns will be taken into account while your tailored treatment plan is developed.
Don’t let your arthritis hold you back any longer; make an appointment today!