Playing with your grandkids. Walking the dog. Cooking. Watching TV. These are just some of the activities that can be more difficult and painful when you have arthritis.
Regrettably, arthritis affects millions of people in the U.S. By 2025, medical researchers estimate that 67 million Americans will have been diagnosed with some type of arthritis. Understanding as much as possible about arthritis is vital for arthritis pain sufferers, and an experienced physical therapist can help you learn more about your condition. They can also help you find effective treatment options for arthritis.
What is arthritis?
The first bit of information that’s important for arthritis pain sufferers is learning what arthritis is. Arthritis is a joint disorder, which features inflammation, pain and stiffness. There’s also often a loss in movement with arthritis, as the joints are too inflamed to move.
Medical researchers have identified more than 100 types of arthritis. Many people cannot work due to arthritis and have to go on disability. Further, it affects men, women and children. Some of the most common types of arthritis include:
How is arthritis diagnosed?
Another thing arthritis pain sufferers should know is the diagnostic process for arthritis. First, your doctor will examine your joints for deformity and inflammation. They’ll also look for signs of issues and review your history of symptoms. Blood tests, urine tests, X-rays or joint fluid tests may be ordered.
Early diagnosis can prevent disability and irreversible damage. Exercise routines, medications, rest and physical therapy may be recommended. A physical therapist can provide properly guided exercise regimens. It’s important that you do the proper, safe exercises to avoid injury.
The role of physical therapy for arthritis
Arthritis pain sufferers should also know how physical therapy can help them. Physical therapy is all about engaging in physical activity and exercise. Physical activity is essential to optimizing both physical and mental health and can play a vital role in the management of arthritis.
Regular physical activity can keep the muscles around affected joints strong. It can also help decrease bone loss and may help control joint swelling and pain. Regular activity replenishes lubrication to the cartilage of the joint and can reduce stiffness and pain. In addition, exercise helps to enhance energy and stamina by decreasing fatigue and improving sleep. Exercise can enhance weight loss and promote long-term weight management in those with arthritis who are overweight.
Other treatment techniques that your physical therapist may use include:
Excel Sports & Physical Therapy can help arthritis pain sufferers
Are you an arthritis pain sufferer? Our Excel Sports & Physical Therapy team is primed to help you find effective ways to treat your arthritis symptoms. We offer free screenings that can help us learn how arthritis is affecting your body. Using this information, our physical therapists can then build you a personalized therapy plan designed to reduce your arthritis symptoms.
Unable to leave your home to get therapy? No problem! Our team offers at-home therapy and virtual care sessions, and these therapy services are designed to help you get high-quality care without leaving home.
Don’t wait to start getting our help with your arthritis. Contact our team today for more information about how we can assist you or to schedule an initial appointment.
Tags: Arthritis, Arthritis Pain Relief, Physical therapy, Physical therapist, Health
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