How Physical Therapy Can Help Arthritis
on Thursday, February 15, 2018Folks suffering from arthritis are often limited by their condition, unable to partake in everyday activities that require certain dexterity. Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can result in painful, restricted mobility that lessens the quality of the patient’s life but there are many ways of treating the symptoms. For instance, medication is a primary treatment but alternative treatments include supplements, diet changes, and dedicated physical therapy.
The fundamental goals of physical therapy in treating arthritis include improving mobility, restoring the use of affected joints, increasing strength to support the joints, and maintaining fitness so that patients have the ability to perform everyday activities.
If you are suffering from rheumatoid or osteoarthritis, here are four reasons to seek physical therapy:
- Physical therapy can improve posture and body mechanics with the aim to relieve pain and improve function.
- Trained therapists can assist patients in the navigation of assistive devices such as walkers and canes.
- Physical therapy employs treatment options, such as hot and cold therapy, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, massage, specialized mobilization and taping techniques, as well as therapeutic stretching/strengthening exercises to ease joint pain and stiffness, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility.
- A physical therapist can suggest behavioral modifications that support a patient’s lifestyle and help improve his/her condition. Education is a pillar of physical therapy and is a great tool in the treatment of arthritis.
1 in 3 rheumatoid arthritis patients wishes they had more treatment options when presented with medication as the primary option. Physical therapy is a positive alternative with a proven record of improving quality of life for sufferers of both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Renew Physical Therapy is proud to serve Portland-area residents suffering from chronic pain and mobility issues. Renew Physical Therapy utilizes several therapeutic modalities to restore our patients to pain-free function.
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