Living with symptoms of arthritis can impact your quality of life. While there are several pain management techniques you can turn to, like cortisone injections, you might be wondering whether physical therapy exercises can also help.
Can physical therapy help arthritis patients? Let’s find out.
How Physical Therapy in Chesterfield, MO, Helps Mobility and Strength Building
Recovery is often the trickiest part of dealing with an injury. Thankfully, comprehensive physical therapy in Chesterfield, MO, can go a long way in supporting your long-term recovery goals.
Through tailored strengthening exercises and guided movement training, physical therapy can help patients regain confidence in their bodies while limiting the risk of re-injury. The treatment plays a vital role in enhancing physical function, fitness, wellness, and quality of life.
That same effect can be achieved even when managing the chronic pain and limited movement that result from arthritis.
Can Physical Therapy Help With Arthritis?
Though there are different forms of arthritis, osteoarthritis is the most prevalent type, mainly affecting the cartilage and bone in joints. This results in pain and increased difficulty completing day-to-day activities. Unfortunately, there is no cure, but regular exercise can prove invaluable.
Can physical therapy help arthritis patients? The short answer is yes, physical therapy exercises can help reduce joint pain, gradually improving the range of motion.
What a Typical Physical Therapy Treatment Looks Like for Arthritis Patients
Your physical therapy treatment will usually be part of a larger plan that also includes medication, topical treatments, and supplements.
A physical therapist will begin by evaluating your condition as well as your posture, body mechanics, and muscle imbalances. Using their in-depth understanding of the musculoskeletal system, they will create personalized exercises that aim to strengthen the muscles surrounding the joint areas.
These exercises will go a long way in:
- Strengthening joint health
- Offering joint pain relief
- Alleviating stiffness and fatigue
- Improving joint flexibility and boosting mobility
- Enhancing stability, balance, and coordination
- Helping you complete day-to-day activities more easily
Tips for Exercising With Arthritis
While physical therapy exercises can help with arthritis, it is essential to approach it with care to avoid worsening your symptoms. Here are a few tips that will help you along the way:
- Stretching is key: Be sure to do a warm-up session beforehand to stretch the major muscle groups, especially those joints prone to stiffness and pain.
- Start slow: It’s normal to experience a bit of soreness and discomfort at the start. As such, it’s always a good idea to begin with short workouts, building up as you go along.
- Listen to your body: Your body should be your guide. Pay attention to how it reacts to the exercises and let your physical therapist know if your symptoms are worsening.
Comprehensive Physical Therapy in Chesterfield, MO
Can physical therapy help arthritis patients? When done right, physical therapy exercises offer several benefits, including reducing joint pain and increasing mobility.
Contact the Ozzie Smith Center for Regenerative Medicine at (314) 200-4955 to learn how our services can help you manage your arthritis symptoms.
