Arthritis is a condition affecting the joints, causing individuals to experience pain and stiffness. The common goal of arthritis treatments is to relieve symptoms related to joint pain and limited mobility. One of the ways to improve joint function is through physical therapy, which has proven to be an effective treatment approach for symptom management and improving the quality of life for arthritis patients.
Let’s talk about the role of physical therapy for arthritis management and how exactly it can benefit individuals living with the condition.
Why Might Physical Therapy Be Recommended by My Orthopedic Doctor?
When physical therapy is recommended as part of your arthritis management plan, it can offer several advantages to improve your condition:
#1 Increased Range of Motion
Arthritis often causes stiffness in the joints, making it challenging to perform basic movements. By incorporating gentle stretching and range of motion exercises, physical therapy helps maintain the flexibility necessary for everyday tasks.
#2 Strengthened Muscles
Weak muscles surrounding arthritic joints can exacerbate pain and strain. Physical therapy focuses on strengthening these muscles to provide support and stability, ultimately reducing pain. Building strength can also alleviate stress on joints weakened by arthritis.
#3 Proper Use of Assistive Devices
A cornerstone of physical therapy programs is patient education. Physical therapists can educate you on the appropriate use of assistive devices, which help alleviate stress on the joints and muscles, making daily activities more manageable and less painful.
#4 Effective Pain Management
With their expertise, physical therapists can guide you on effective pain relief techniques for pain associated with arthritis. They can use various modalities and also help you modify your activities to prevent pain and discomfort.
Physical Therapy Exercises for Arthritis
Physical therapy for arthritis may involve a combination of manual therapy techniques and customized exercise programs that address a patient’s specific needs.
Some of the prescriptions made by physical therapists may include:
1. Pain Management
Physical therapists can utilize various techniques to manage arthritis pain, such as:
- Heat or cold therapy
- Ultrasound
- Electrical stimulation
- Manual therapy techniques such as soft tissue mobilization
By targeting the underlying causes of pain, physical therapy can provide relief and improve the overall comfort of the patient.
2. Range of Motion and Flexibility
Arthritis can lead to stiffness and reduced range of motion in the joints. Physical therapists design exercises and stretching routines to improve joint flexibility and increase the range of motion.
These exercises may include the following:
- Gentle stretching
- Dynamic stretching
- Static stretching
- Joint mobilization exercises
3. Strengthening Muscles
Strong muscles can help support and stabilize arthritic joints, reducing pain and stress on the joints. A physical therapist can develop personalized strength training programs focusing on strengthening the muscles around the affected joints.
These exercises may involve the use of:
- Resistance bands
- Weights
- Bodyweight movements
4. Balance and Coordination
Arthritis can affect balance and coordination, increasing the risk of falls and injuries. Physical therapy includes exercises and activities that target balance and proprioception or awareness of body position in space. Agility exercises may also be included to improve balance and coordination.
5. Assistive Devices and Adaptive Techniques
Physical therapists can provide guidance on the proper use of assistive devices such as walkers or braces to support joint function and reduce stress on arthritic joints. They can also teach adaptive techniques and modifications for daily activities to minimize joint strain and maximize independence.
6. Education and Lifestyle Modifications
Physical therapists provide education about arthritis management, from lifestyle modifications to ergonomic principles. They can also offer advice on joint protection techniques and proper body mechanics to minimize arthritis pain and promote joint health.
Working with a Physical Therapist
When seeking physical therapy for arthritis, it is important to find a qualified and experienced physical therapist who specializes in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. They will conduct a thorough evaluation before creating an individualized treatment plan.
As patients learn to manage their arthritis, sessions needed with a physical therapist may decrease. Checking in with their physical therapist may only be necessary every couple of months.
Orthopedic Specialists in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia
The orthopedic specialists at Watauga Orthopaedics can help you manage your arthritis symptoms through comprehensive physical therapy and rehabilitation services. We have a highly trained staff of physical therapists who work with our orthopedic doctors to create a treatment plan specifically for you. We are highly committed to producing the best outcomes from our interventions.
Your convenience is important to us, which is why we have made physical therapy services available in our Bristol, Johnson City, and Kingsport locations. For any questions or to schedule a consultation with one of our orthopedic surgeons, call our office today at (423) 282-9011 or use our online appointment request form.
We look forward to providing you with the highest quality physical therapy for arthritis in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia!
