Living with arthritis can be a challenge, especially when pain and stiffness become routine. Finding the right treatment to manage your symptoms is key to improving your quality of life.
Physical therapy is one of the most effective ways to maintain joint health, reduce pain, and improve mobility. But what type of physical therapy is best for arthritis?
This blog will help you understand how physical therapy can benefit arthritis patients and what techniques to consider.
What is Physical Therapy, and How Does it Help with Arthritis?
Physical therapy focuses on exercises and techniques designed to support joint movement and reduce pain. A licensed physical therapist creates a personalized therapy plan, based on your specific arthritis symptoms and physical condition.
Whether you have osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or another type, physical therapy can help, because it emphasizes improving your range of motion, building strength, and increasing flexibility.
By working with a physical therapist, arthritis patients can:
- Reduce joint pain and swelling
- Strengthen muscles around affected joints for better support
- Improve overall mobility and balance to prevent falls
- Develop techniques to manage chronic pain effectively
Benefits of Physical Therapy for Arthritis Patients
Here are some ways physical therapy can help arthritis patients.
Pain Relief
Physical therapy helps relieve pain without the need for medication, offering a more natural approach to management.
Preventing Further Injury
Weak or stiff joints are more prone to injuries. Regular therapy can strengthen and stabilize these areas.
Improved Quality of Life
Simple tasks, like walking or climbing stairs, can become easier over time, leading to greater independence.
Joint Mobility and Flexibility
Regular physical therapy helps maintain and even improve your joint flexibility over time.
Mental Health Benefits
Dealing with arthritis can be overwhelming, but regular physical activity can reduce anxiety and improve mood.
Different Types of Physical Therapy Modalities for Arthritis
Here are different types of physical therapy modalities for arthritis management.
Exercise
Exercise is one of the most common components of physical therapy for arthritis. Strengthening the muscles around your joints helps reduce the stress on affected areas, while flexibility exercises keep your joints moving smoothly. Common exercises include:
- Resistance training to build muscle strength
- Stretching routines to improve flexibility and range of motion
- Low-impact activities like swimming or cycling for joint protection
Your physical therapist will guide you on the right intensity to ensure you do not overwork your joints.
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques performed by a physical therapist to reduce joint stiffness and improve movement. These techniques include:
- Joint mobilization to reduce stiffness and inflammation
- Soft tissue massage to relieve tension in surrounding muscles
Manual therapy can be especially useful for those with limited mobility due to severe arthritis.
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy, or water-based therapy, is a popular choice for arthritis patients. Being in warm water reduces the pressure on your joints, making it easier to perform exercises.
The buoyancy of water provides natural support, while the warmth increases blood circulation and helps loosen stiff joints.
Heat and Cold Therapy
Physical therapists often use heat or cold therapy to manage arthritis symptoms. Heat therapy relaxes tight muscles and improves blood flow to joints. Cold therapy reduces swelling and numbs joint pain.
A physical therapist may alternate between the two during a session, depending on your symptoms.
Assistive Devices and Techniques
Sometimes, physical therapy includes recommending assistive devices like braces, canes, or orthotics. These help reduce strain on the affected joints.
Your physical therapist may also demonstrate techniques for everyday activities, like going up stairs or standing up, to minimize joint strain.
Electrical Stimulation
This therapy involves using small electrical currents to stimulate muscles and reduce pain. Devices like TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) units are often used to help with arthritis-related discomfort.
Choosing the Right Type of Therapy for You
The best type of physical therapy for arthritis depends on various factors, including:
- The type of arthritis you have
- The severity of your symptoms
- Your overall health and physical condition
- Any personal goals you have for improving mobility or reducing pain
A physical therapist will evaluate these factors and develop a customized therapy plan. For example, a patient with knee osteoarthritis might benefit from strengthening exercises for the thigh muscles combined with hydrotherapy. Someone with rheumatoid arthritis in their hands might require manual therapy and range-of-motion exercises.
Physical Therapist Near Me in Bismarck, ND
If you are ready to take control of your arthritis symptoms with the help of physical therapy, do not settle for anything less than expert care.
At The Bone & Joint Center, our compassionate and experienced physical therapists are here to guide you every step of the way. We specialize in creating personalized therapy plans designed to reduce joint pain, improve mobility, and enhance your quality of life.
Call us at (800) 424-2663 or fill out our appointment form to book your consultation with our physical therapists. We look forward to serving you!
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