Can Physical Therapy Help Alleviate Arthritis?
Arthritis is a medical condition that affects the joints, which are where bones meet and are cushioned by cartilage and, in some cases, synovial fluid. This condition is characterized by inflammation and degeneration, leading to pain and stiffness that can make movement difficult. There are various types of arthritis, and physical therapy can play a significant role in alleviating the symptoms of each. Below, we explore different types of arthritis and how physical therapy can help.
Types of Arthritis and How Physical Therapy Can Help
Osteoarthritis (OA)
The most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis, occurs when the cartilage in joints wears down over time. This can happen as part of the aging process (Primary OA) or due to direct damage to the joint from injury or trauma (Secondary OA). Weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and spine are often affected.
How Physical Therapy Can Help:
Low-Impact Aerobic Exercise: Helps improve your ability to walk and move around.
Joint Mobility and Muscle Flexibility: Reduces stiffness and improves movement.
Strengthening Exercises: Strengthens muscles to support joints and reduce stress on them.
Balance and Gait Training: Improves your ability to walk and helps prevent falls.
Pain Relief: Techniques like dry needling, massage therapy, compression, and heat therapy can alleviate pain.
Prehab and Post-Surgery Rehab: If joint replacement surgery is needed, physical therapy helps prepare for and recover from the procedure.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes systemic inflammation, affecting multiple joints at once. The immune system attacks healthy cells, leading to pain, swelling, and difficulty with movement.
How Physical Therapy Can Help:
Education: Provides information on the disease, its progression, and how it impacts daily life.
Exercise Therapy: A personalized exercise plan can help build strength, increase tolerance for physical activity, and reduce pain.
Passive Joint Mobilization: Can help increase joint mobility, but it's used carefully, especially around the neck.
Other Interventions: Techniques like soft tissue massage, TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), and taping may be used to manage symptoms.
Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)
Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis associated with a skin rash and inflammation, pain, and swelling in the joints. It is an autoimmune disease that affects fewer joints than RA but can be just as debilitating.
How Physical Therapy Can Help:
Guided Resistance and Cardiorespiratory Exercises: Helps maintain strength and cardiovascular health.
Articular Motion Exercises: Techniques like manual joint mobilization, passive and active range of motion exercises, and stretching help maintain joint function.
Passive Interventions: May include thermotherapy (heat therapy), low-level laser therapy, orthosis, and splinting.
Education: Provides guidance on healthy lifestyle choices and activity levels.
Gout
Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden, severe pain, swelling, and redness, often in the big toe.
How Physical Therapy Can Help:
During a Flare-Up: Physical therapists can help with activity modifications, orthotic recommendations, and assistive devices to reduce stress on the affected joint.
Between Flare-Ups: Focuses on maintaining joint range of motion, strength, and proper walking patterns through a tailored exercise routine.
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)
A chronic form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine, leading to inflammation that can cause the vertebrae to fuse. It can also affect other joints like the pelvis, hips, ribs, shoulders, hands, and feet.
How Physical Therapy Can Help:
Exercise and Physical Therapy: Essential for maximizing strength, joint mobility, muscle flexibility, posture, and muscular endurance.
Combination Therapy: A study suggests that combining exercise, dry needling, and joint mobilization can effectively manage symptoms.
Education: Teaches self-management techniques and proper use of assistive devices if needed.
3 Best Ways to Help With Arthritis
Why Physical Therapy at AVION Sports Rehab?
At AVION Sports Rehab, we provide the 3 best ways to help with arthritis. Our expert physical therapists are skilled in managing various types of arthritis. We provide personalized treatment plans to help you move better, reduce pain, and improve your quality of life. Whether you’re dealing with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or another form of arthritis, our team is here to support you on your journey to better health.
Dry Needling for Arthritis Pain Relief
At AVION Sports Rehab, we utilize ultrasound-guided dry needling to precisely target muscle tension and trigger points that are being affected by arthritis. This advanced technique involves inserting thin, sterile needles into tight or overactive muscles to relieve pain, improve mobility, and reduce joint stiffness.
By using real-time diagnostic ultrasound, we ensure pinpoint accuracy, allowing us to safely reach deeper tissues and stimulate blood flow to the affected joints. Many patients with knee osteoarthritis, hip arthritis, and even rheumatoid arthritis experience significant pain relief and improved function after just a few sessions. Unlike traditional needling methods, our precision-based approach minimizes discomfort while maximizing results.
Red Light Therapy for Joint Inflammation and Recovery
Red light therapy (also known as low-level laser therapy or photobiomodulation) is a drug-free, non-invasive solution to combat arthritis pain and stiffness. At AVION Sports Rehab, we use medical-grade red and near-infrared light to penetrate deep into the joints, stimulating cellular repair and reducing inflammation at the source.
Studies show that red light therapy can increase collagen production, enhance circulation, and slow cartilage degeneration, making it an excellent treatment for arthritis sufferers looking for long-term joint health benefits. Whether you have osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or general joint pain, our advanced red light therapy sessions can help you move better and feel better—without relying on pain medication.
Diagnostic Ultrasound for Accurate Arthritis Assessments
Unlike standard physical therapy clinics, AVION Sports Rehab offers real-time diagnostic ultrasound imaging to assess arthritis-related joint damage with unmatched accuracy. This state-of-the-art technology allows us to visualize inflammation, cartilage wear, and tendon irritation in real time—providing a clear picture of your joint health without the need for expensive MRIs or X-rays.
With this detailed insight, we can develop a highly personalized treatment plan that includes dry needling, red light therapy, manual therapy, and strength training to target your arthritis pain at its source. This advanced approach ensures that your treatment is effective, efficient, and tailored to your specific needs.
Take Control of Your Arthritis
If you think you might have arthritis, it’s important to consult with a rheumatologist. Afterward, come to AVION Sports Rehab for physical therapy, exercise, and pain-relieving treatments that can help you manage your symptoms and maintain your quality of life.
For more information and to schedule an appointment, visit www.avionpt.com.
Managing arthritis can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Let AVION Sports Rehab help you stay active and enjoy life to the fullest!
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