If you have stiff joints making it difficult to move around, you may be dealing with early-onset arthritis, even if your symptoms improve.
Physical therapy is a form of treatment you can use to ease the pain associated with arthritis. At Emerald Hills Physio & Sports Clinic, one of our licensed physical therapists will give you gentle exercises to help improve your flexibility, range of motion, and overall joint functions.
The disease of arthritis affects the joints that connect the bones. It is linked to joint inflammation and can appear in acute and chronic forms. When moving around, arthritis patients feel pain, stiffness, and discomfort. There are two main types of arthritis: rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that happens when the body’s immune system affects its joints, and osteoarthritis, which develops when the cartilage between joints is damaged.
Enhancing mobility and re-establishing the functionality of the affected joints is the primary goal of physical therapy (PT) in treating arthritis. Physiotherapists are trained and certified and use a variety of treatments to strengthen injured joints.
Knee joints, hips, the spine, and fingers are the main areas osteoarthritis affects. In addition, Osteoarthritis patients are advised to undergo physical therapy because it helps them by enhancing physical function and lowering pain.
Physiotherapists use a variety of modalities to treat osteoarthritis, including:
Knee osteoarthritis treatment using physiotherapy: Water is used in hydrotherapy to treat arthritis. Specialized exercises are carried out in the water between 33 and 36 °C. Patients are guided through specific exercises by physiotherapists, such as stretching, aerobics, and strengthening routines.
Another method physiotherapists use to treat pain and stiffness is called manual therapy. The effectiveness of this method in treating knee osteoarthritis has been enormous. Thermotherapy and other methods, like acupuncture (dry needling), have also demonstrated significant advantages in treating pain.
Hip osteoarthritis treatment using physiotherapy: Hip pain impacts mobility since the hip joint supports the body’s weight. In such cases, physical therapy aims to increase patients’ mobility. Physiotherapists employ various methods, including:
Training in weight management
A physical therapy session’s objective is to instruct you on how to carry out your treatment plan’s instructions for yourself, such as performing specific exercises or learning the best way to apply hot and cold compresses. The focus of the visits, which are frequently brief (about an hour), is on identifying issues with your physical function and providing you with care strategies you can use at home.
You usually don’t need to visit the PT every week. If necessary, periodic visits every few months are sufficient to update your program. When your health changes, such as an arthritis flare that prevents you from keeping up with your exercise regimen or involvement of a different joint that affects another area of function, you can return to the physical therapist to update your exercise regimen and treatment plan.
The secret to a good outcome is learning exercises from a physical therapist and consistently performing them at home over time. Since improvement is gradual and the body gradually becomes stronger and more skilled, consistent practice is crucial.
We would be happy to show you how skilled we are at treating and managing this condition if you reside in Sherwood Park or the surrounding areas and think you may have it. To make an appointment, please call Emerald Hills Physio & Sports Clinic.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arthritis Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy can treat various types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout.
Arthritis physiotherapy can help improve joint mobility and flexibility, reduce pain and inflammation, increase strength and endurance, and improve the overall quality of life.
The exercises used in arthritis physiotherapy may include a range of motion exercises, strengthening exercises, aerobic exercises, and balance and coordination exercises tailored to the individual’s specific needs.
Yes, arthritis physiotherapy can be combined with other treatments, such as medication, surgery, or complementary therapies, to provide a more comprehensive approach to managing arthritis symptoms.
Emerald Hills Physio & Sports Clinic, located in Sherwood Park, AB, is a renowned physio and sports injury center. Our services encompass treatments for sports-related injuries, massage therapies, vestibular and nervous system issues, chronic pain, as well as pelvic floor physical therapy in Sherwood Park.