Pain Relief for Arthritis

WHAT IS ARTHRITIS?

Arthritis is not a single disease; it is an informal way of referring to joint pain. It can affect one joint or many joints. There are more than 100 types of arthritis and related conditions. People of all ages, sexes, and races can have arthritis, and it is the leading cause of disability in America. More than 50 million adults and 300,000 children have some type of arthritis. It is important to recognize the symptoms of arthritis and treat them early. Unfortunately, many people wait until their arthritis becomes severe before seeking the help of a physical therapist, but HealthQuest Physical Therapy can help you before it reaches that point!


People with arthritis often have stiff joints because they avoid movements that can increase pain. However, by not moving arthritic joints the stiffness and pain only get worse. People with arthritis often benefit from physical therapy. Physical therapy is particularly beneficial for arthritis sufferers because we help ease joint pain and slow down the disease’s progression. The goal of physical therapy is to make daily tasks and activities easier. We also educate you about techniques and strategies that will help you for your lifetime.

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GOALS & STRATEGIES FOR

FOR TREATING ARTHRITIS

eliminate/reduce
pain & swelling

The goal of physical therapy is always the same; promoting tissue repair by decreasing pain and inflammation and improving your strength and proper physical function.

improved
mobility & flexibility

Flexibility is defined as “the ability of a muscle or muscle group to lengthen passively through a range of motion”, whereas mobility is the “ability of a joint to move actively through a range of motion”.

increased
strength & endurance

Targeted exercises can help ease your arthritic pains. It is possible to maintain an active lifestyle while living with arthritis, but you may need some assistance.

education & preventative tools

Physical therapy exercises can help reduce joint pain and stiffness, as well as improve range of motion, making you more mobile.

return to
normal function

Your physical therapist will design an individualized plan of care that will help you reach your unique functional goals.

proper
alignment

Proper alignment allows your muscles and joints to function without excess stress on them and may delay degenerative changes that occur in your joints and muscles over time.

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journey to health Today

COMMON ARTHRITIS CONDITIONS

WE TREAT

There are over 100 different types of arthritis, containing monoarthritis (where only one joint is affected) and oligoarthritis (where multiple joints are affected). Each condition has different causes including wear and tear, infections, and underlying diseases. Specific symptoms vary depending on the type of arthritis but usually include joint pain and stiffness. Physical therapy can help relieve all types of arthritis pain! Our treatment programs are tailored to the patient and his/her specific condition, medical history, lifestyle and goals.

Osteoarthritis

  • Osteoarthritis, the most commonly experienced type of arthritis, is fairly easy to diagnose. There are a couple of different ways in which osteoarthritis can develop, such as a sudden injury, or with gradual “wear and tear” over time. Sometimes, osteoarthritis can even develop from a seemingly healed injury. Imagine this: you were a football player in school who experienced a harsh knee collision during a game. You get treated for the injury, recover, and return to your sport. However, you continue to notice the lingering pains of your knee injury, even after your football career ends. After an injury heals, it is still possible for arthritis to eventually develop in that affected area - especially if it still experiences the same repetitive overuse after the fact. This can also be said for labor-intensive careers. Let’s say you’re a carpenter or roofer, whose job requires the repetitive swinging of tools. This puts your joints at a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis later in life.

Rheumatoid arthritis

  • The second most commonly experienced type of arthritis, is Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect more than just your joints. In some people, the condition can damage a wide variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart and blood vessels. An autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body's tissues. Unlike the wear-and-tear damage of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of your joints, causing a painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity. The inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis is what can damage other parts of the body as well. While new types of medications have improved treatment options dramatically, severe rheumatoid arthritis can still cause physical disabilities.

WE HAVE YOU COVERED

We Accept MOST Insurance Plans

TREATMENT PLAN

FOR ARTHRITIC CONDITIONS

We treat the individual…not just the pain or dysfunction. Your physical therapy treatment may include:

Personalized Evaluation
& Treatment Plan

customized therapeutic
exercise program

hands-on
manual therapy

biofeedback
techniques

soft tissue mobilization
& myofascial release

joint
mobilization

relaxation
techniques

biomechanical & functional retraining & education

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learn more about

arthritis

The daily life of someone living with arthritis can be greatly limited without the help of physical therapy. Arthritis can make it difficult to work, exercise, and do the activities you love. The Arthritis Foundation states that approximately 50 million people live with arthritis. As the leading cause of disability across the United States, it is important to understand the symptoms associated with it. If you have been living with arthritis, or you think you may be experiencing arthritic symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact our Southeast Michigan physical therapy office for an appointment today. Our physical therapists will help you manage your arthritic pains so you can get back to living the life you want to live!