Physical Therapy is able to provide relief for arthritis
Do you think you may be living with arthritis?
Arthritis is manageable through the care of a certified physical therapist. At Progressive Medical Fitness, we will provide you with the education you need to lower your risk of future arthritis-related injuries. Your licensed physical therapist will design an exercise treatment plan, appropriate to your fitness level, to improve the overall function of the joint(s) affected by arthritis – such as improving your range of motion, and flexibility.
Your physical therapist will conduct a thorough evaluation of your joints to identify which joints are stiff and painful, and determine an exercise plan that provides pain relief for your specific condition and lifestyle.
Is it difficult to get moving in the morning due to stiff joints? Does movement of your joints become less painful as the day goes on? These are symptoms of early-onset arthritis. This condition is very common, however, many people live with their painful joints for far too long before seeking relief.
If you think you may be experiencing arthritic symptoms, or are suffering from arthritis, contact Progressive Medical Fitness today to get started on the path to a pain-free life.
Arthritis benefits from physical therapy
Physical therapy treatments at Progressive Medical Fitness could greatly benefit you, if you are suffering from arthritis, or you think you might be. Physical therapy treatments, in many cases, can even eliminate the need for injections, invasive surgical procedures, and potentially harmful pain medicine.
Physical therapy is able to reduce pain by restoring the natural motion of your joints, strengthening supporting muscles, and leading to improvement in your overall mobility.
We will design an individualized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and fitness level to help you recover quickly and have lasting benefits. We also teach you how to decrease the risk of future joint injury, and the correct therapeutic exercises to perform on your own.
Types of arthritis
Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the U.S., with over 50 million people affected, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Arthritis is an inflammatory condition of the joints that causes pain and decreased mobility. One or more joints may be affected.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Inflammatory arthritis is commonly referred to as rheumatoid arthritis, and is not completely understood. Those suffering from arthritis typically report that prolonged sitting, standing, or inactivity leads to soreness around their joints. The pain can worsen during certain movements, such as bending your knees. Popping or clicking sounds may be audible when you move the affected joint(s). Arthritis may also cause the joint to be sensitive or painful to the touch. Your joints may be painful as you exercise or work, but then disappear when the motion stops.
Rheumatoid arthritis develops when the immune system attacks its own joints. It is considered an autoimmune disease. Commonly, rheumatoid arthritis affects the same joints on both sides of the body. Researchers think likely contributing factors are your environment, hormones, and medical history could all be contributing factors toward rheumatoid arthritis developing. Also, females are more frequently afflicted by rheumatoid arthritis than males.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. Generally, osteoarthritis is easy to diagnose. When the cartilage that allows the joint to glide effortlessly breaks down due to age or overuse, the resulting condition is known as Osteoarthritis. The lack of cartilage causes the bones to grind against each other which leads to inflammation and pain in the joint.
Causes range from a sudden injury to the joint, to development in a previously injured and healed joint. Although the joint injury healed, damage may have occurred to the cartilage or surrounding muscles. This leads to deteriorating support of the joint, or an alteration to the natural motion of the joint. Injured joints are at greater risk of developing osteoarthritis later in life.
This is also true for many jobs, where workers develop overuse or repetitive stress injuries. For example, if you work as a carpenter who uses tools in repetitive motions, you are at higher risk of developing osteoarthritis in the joints of your elbows or hands. Being overweight may also increase your risk for developing osteoarthritis, as additional strain is being put on your hip and knee joints.
Relief is accessible
Contact Progressive Medical Fitness today to find out how our team of licensed physical therapists can help you find long-lasting relief from the pain of your arthritis.
Our Progressive Medical Fitness physical therapy team will conduct a thorough evaluation to design an individualized treatment plan for your specific condition and lifestyle.
Arthritis need not limit your life – contact our Northport office today for an appointment.