Many of us don’t realize how important healthy joints are in our daily lives until one or more of them are suffering from pain and stiffness related to arthritis. This condition causes the cartilage in your joints to break down, which itself is painful but can also lead to bone-on-bone grinding in your joints.
Although there is no cure for arthritis, there are treatments that can help reduce the pain, improve your range of motion and slow the development of the disease. One effective treatment that benefits many patients with arthritis is physical therapy.
Treating arthritis with physical therapy
Physical therapists are licensed health care professionals who specialize in treating conditions that affect your bones, muscles and joints. They have many treatment methods at their disposal that they use to primarily help reduce and prevent pain related to chronic conditions like arthritis.
If you visit a physical therapist for arthritis, they can examine your body to decide on how to personalize your treatment approach to achieve the best possible results. Treatments vary from person to person, but usually, you can expect treatment for arthritis to include:
- Therapeutic exercises and stretches — The goal of stretches and exercises is to help improve your strength and flexibility. Stronger and more flexible muscles can move more freely and provide better support for your joints, which helps reduce pressure and pain.
- Manual therapy — Manual therapy is any treatment that involves the use of your physical therapist’s hands to mobilize and maneuver your soft tissue and joints. These techniques can help reduce pain, break up scar tissue and improve your range of motion.
- Posture guidance — Poor posture can increase pressure on your joints, which causes further pain related to arthritis. Your physical therapist can examine your posture and help you improve it to help reduce and prevent pain.
Visit Whatcom Physical Therapy for arthritis treatment
Are you tired of feeling stiff and achy all of the time because of arthritis? Our team can work with you to help you manage your arthritis pain, so you can focus more on enjoying your life. In addition, you can begin physical therapy without the need for a doctor’s referral. Contact us today for more information about treatment or to schedule an initial appointment.
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