Oh My Stiff, Achy Joints: How Physical Therapy Eases Arthritis Pain to Help You Stay Active

Millions of Americans have arthritis, a group of more than 100 diseases that cause joint pain, stiffness, and mobility issues. Many of these people cope with their symptoms through lifestyle changes and anti-inflammatory medication, but these approaches aren’t always enough to provide lasting relief. 

You might assume that surgery is your only other option, but that isn’t the case. Physical therapy offers a safe, scientifically proven way to ease arthritis pain and improve mobility. Because May is Arthritis Awareness Month, the expert team at Twin Creeks Orthopedics and Regenerative Clinic is highlighting the many benefits of this condition.

Read on to learn how physical therapy can help manage your arthritis and how to determine if this treatment approach is right for you.

How physical therapy helps manage arthritis

Many people associate physical therapy (PT) with recovery after surgery or a medical event like a stroke. It’s true that PT is often used in these instances, but many people with arthritis also benefit from its hands-on, nonsurgical approach to pain relief. 

Physical therapy uses targeted stretches and exercises to increase flexibility and strengthen the muscles around arthritic joints. This helps prevent wear-and-tear, enhances your joints’ range of motion, and reduces strain, so you can perform daily activities, like folding laundry or climbing stairs, without triggering a painful flare.

Beyond teaching you how to move safely, PT also uses massage, hot and cold treatments, and assistive techniques, such as gait training, to help you feel more confident and stable on your feet. Together, these tools can significantly reduce arthritis pain, allowing you to return to work and other activities you enjoy.

Benefits beyond pain relief

The most obvious benefit of PT for arthritis is reduced pain, but many people also experience:

• Improved mobility
• Better posture
• Enhanced daily functioning
• Reduced fatigue

For some patients, PT supports independence. Older individuals with arthritis often need help with bathing or cooking because of severe symptoms. A personalized PT regimen makes it easier to perform these tasks comfortably, giving people their lives back.

Seeing if physical therapy is right for you

Request a consultation with our caring team if you have persistent arthritis pain that doesn’t improve with medication, lifestyle changes, or other types of at-home care. This is especially true if you’ve been referred for surgery and are worried about an operation.

After reviewing your health history, asking about your symptoms, and completing a comprehensive assessment, we can determine if you’re a candidate. People with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other forms of inflammatory arthritis often benefit. This is especially true if you have back, hip, or shoulder pain that occurs daily.

Getting the most out of physical therapy

Many people with arthritis benefit from PT, but pain relief doesn’t happen overnight. To ensure a positive outcome, you must actively participate in your treatment plan. 

Attend each scheduled physical therapy session, follow your therapist’s at-home practice instructions, and listen to your body. Building strength is an ongoing process. If a particular exercise or activity causes pain, don’t be afraid to stop and take a break. 

Remember the phrase: slow and steady wins the race. It’s better to gradually ease into a new activity than it is to push through pain and risk setbacks. 

See if physical therapy is right for you

If you have arthritis and at-home treatments aren’t cutting it any longer,  contact us today to learn more about the benefits of physical therapy. After an evaluation, we can determine the best approach for your symptoms and may even combine PT with regenerative medicine or other techniques. To make an appointment, call (469) 342-3383 or book online.