How Does Physical Therapy Help Arthritis?

Arthritis is a disease that affects the joints and links the bones. It can manifest in acute and chronic forms and is associated with inflammation of the joints. Patients with arthritis encounter pain, rigidity, and tenderness during mobility.

Physical therapy is an essential part of treating arthritis. It can relieve pain for arthritis, improve mobility, and help a person before or after surgery. People with arthritis should ask a doctor about the advantage of physical therapy and research a certified physical therapist they can trust. 

Arthritis has two primary conditions: Osteoarthritis, which occurs when the cartilage between joints is damaged, and rheumatoid arthritis. This autoimmune disease occurs when the body’s immune system affects its joints. 

Role of physical therapy in treating Osteoarthritis 

Osteoarthritis mainly influences knee joints, hips, spine, and fingers. Physical therapy for arthritis is recommended in patients suffering from Osteoarthritis because it improves physical functioning and reduces pain. 

Various modalities utilized by physiotherapists for treating Osteoarthritis include: 

• Exercises
• Massages
• Providing patients with walking aids
• Electrotherapy 

Role of physiotherapy in treating Rheumatoid arthritis 

Physiotherapists perform a physical assessment test before beginning the treatment. The assessment majorly involves evaluating the gait, daily life activities, range of joint motion, muscle strength test, posture, and respiratory function. Afterward, they use the arthritis impact measurement and health assessment questionnaire for a precise assessment. 

How can physical therapy help treat arthritis? 

Physical therapy for arthritis helps ease symptoms and build up your movement quality. This makes it easier to perform daily movements. 

Usually, physical therapy is part of an arthritis treatment plan that also includes: 

• Medications
• Supplements
• Topical treatments

Hence it can be concluded that patients with arthritis can get immense relief upon consulting a physiotherapist. Advancements are continually being made in the area of PT to improve the quality of patients affected with arthritis. 

Physical therapists will also assess your posture, muscle imbalances, and body mechanics. They will teach you to improve your move to prevent injury, reduce pain, and align your body. 

Best types of physical therapy for arthritis

The best type of physical therapy for arthritis for you will depend on your concerns and treatment goals. You can look for a physical therapist who practices arthritis or a specific body part, such as the hands or feet.

Several types of physical therapy can help with arthritis. They include: 

• Manipulation: A physical therapist moves the affected joint or surrounding area and may massage damaged tissue. 
• Exercise: A physical therapist gives certain exercises to get better muscle weaknesses or work around injuries.
• Orthotic support: A therapist recommends particular devices to make movement easier.
• Post-surgical physical therapy: A therapist helps a person recover functioning after surgery. 

The type of physical therapy a person needs depends on the type of arthritis they have, its location, and their overall health. Individuals should consult a physical therapist before starting a physical therapy regimen at home. 

A physical therapist may teach you to use: 

• Weight machine
• Aerobic exercise machines
• Other equipment includes Foam rollers, exercise balls, and resistance bands.  

They may also suggest an advantageous device and teach you to use it correctly. Passive PT treatments that help to encourage relaxation include massage, joint mobilizations, and electrotherapy.

Can physical therapy make arthritis worse? 

Physical therapy for arthritis aims to improve function and decrease arthritis symptoms. Treatment should not make your symptoms worse or cause pain. However, you may find some exercise challenging and significantly moderate muscular discomfort or soreness. 

Talk with your physical therapist about your treatment feedback and pain tolerance. Tell them if you have worsening symptoms, severe pain, or difficulties during and after a session. Your physical therapist can make the appropriate modifications to your treatment plan. They may use different techniques or reduce the frequency and intensity of sessions. 

Your physical therapist can make suitable modifications to your treatment plan. They may use different techniques or reduce the frequency and intensity of your sessions. 

How to find a physical therapist? 

If you are interested in seeing a Physical therapist, ask your doctor for a recommendation. You may not need a doctor’s referral to see a PT but check with your insurance to ensure it will be covered. Your insurance may also limit the number of sessions for a particular problem, so make sure you know this information before seeing a Physical therapist. 

You can also check with a reputable medical center in your area or visit Back 2 health, where you can search for a physical therapist. Our expert physical therapists are ready to help you with your particular type of arthritis.