Rashad Gladys

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is one of the most common chronic conditions, affecting over 54 million adults in the United States alone. It can be debilitating and painful, leading to a decreased quality of life for those who suffer from it.

Fortunately, there are treatments available that can help reduce the symptoms associated with arthritis. One such treatment is physical therapy, which can provide relief from the pain associated with arthritis and improve overall mobility. In this blog post, we will discuss whether or not physical therapy can actually help with arthritis and how it can be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Types of arthritis

There are three main types of arthritis: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It happens when the cartilage that protects the joints breaks down. This can cause pain and swelling.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. This means that the body’s immune system attacks the joints. This can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that is linked to psoriasis. This is a skin condition that causes redness, itching, and flaking of the skin. People with psoriatic arthritis often have joint pain and stiffness as well as problems with their skin.

There are several types of arthritis, all of which can cause pain and other symptoms. The most common type is osteoarthritis, which typically affects older adults. Other types include rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and psoriatic arthritis. Each type has its own set of causes and treatments.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones breaks down over time. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. Treatment for osteoarthritis often includes a combination of exercise, weight control, and pain relief medication.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack the joints. This can lead to inflammation, pain, and damage to the joint tissue. Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis typically includes disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologic agents.

Gout is a form of arthritis that occurs when there is too much uric acid in the blood. This can lead to crystals forming in the joints, which can cause severe pain and inflammation. Treatment for gout typically involves taking medication to reduce uric acid levels and managing pain with anti-inflammatory medication or ice packs.

Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis that occurs in people with psoriasis. It can cause joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and damage to the

How can physical therapy help?

1. Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation and pain in the joints.

2. Physical therapy can help reduce pain and improve movement in people with arthritis.

3. Physical therapy can also help people with arthritis maintain their independence and quality of life.

4. If you're the owner of this website: you are considering physical therapy for your arthritis, be sure to ask your doctor or physical therapist about the best treatment options for you.

PT exercises for arthritis patients

When it comes to physical therapy and arthritis, there are a few specific exercises that can help to improve range of motion, flexibility, and overall strength. For example, range-of-motion exercises such as shoulder shrugs and arm circles can help to keep the joints moving freely. Flexibility exercises like leg lifts and toe touches can help to maintain or improve range of motion in the joints. And finally, strength-training exercises like ankle pumps and knee bends can help to build up the muscles around the joints, providing support and stability.

When to see a PT for arthritis

If you have arthritis, you may be wondering if physical therapy can help. The answer is yes! Physical therapy can help relieve pain, increase range of motion, and improve strength and function.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be time to see a PT for arthritis:

-Persistent joint pain

-Swelling or inflammation in the joints

-Stiffness in the joints

-Decreased range of motion in the joints

-Weakness in the muscles around the affected joints

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, don't wait to seek treatment. A PT can help relieve your pain and improve your quality of life.

Conclusion

Physical therapy can be a very effective treatment option for those suffering from arthritis. It helps to reduce pain and inflammation, improve range of motion and mobility, and enhance overall quality of life. Physical therapists have the training, experience and resources to develop an individualized plan tailored to help you manage your symptoms so that you can return to a more active lifestyle. If you think physical therapy could be beneficial for you or someone else suffering from arthritis, speak with your healthcare team about creating a plan that is best suited for your specific needs.