Arthritis

Arthritis

Though arthritis is one of the most stubborn health issues because it has no cure, physical therapy is often prescribed as it is an effective treatment plan for pain management. No matter the type of arthritis that you have developed, our physical therapists at Dragonfly Physical Therapy are here to help! Our licensed physical therapists are experienced in treating various orthopedic conditions; arthritis is an area in which they specialize. For the full list of services that we offer, please visit our Services page.

How Physical Therapy Can Help Relieve Arthritis Pain

Since arthritis can develop practically anywhere in the body with varying levels of severity, it can be difficult to effectively treat with at-home care. Whether you are suffering from stiffness, swelling, tension, immobility, or just general pain, there are numerous treatment plans that one of our physical therapist can recommend for you. Treatment plans often include a combination of exercises, stretches, and massages to lessen the pressure on your joints.

The goal of physical therapy for arthritis pain is to help the patient regain mobility and strength, increase flexibility, reduce their pain in the short- and long-term, and prevent additional joint damage. Physical therapy is unlike a professional massage or at-home care because its aim is to target the root of the problem. Since arthritis can develop at any age and for different reasons, it is important to take an individualized approach. Our licensed physical therapists at Dragonfly Physical Therapy develop customized programs for each patient, catered to their unique needs. In your initial consultation (lasting approximately 45 minutes), your physical therapist will work with you to determine the best plan, frequency, and duration of treatment to get you feeling your best!

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Types of Physical Therapy for Arthritis Pain

Depending on your unique health condition, one or many of these methods may be employed as part of the treatment phase for your physical therapy. Your physical therapist would be more than happy to go into greater depth about any of the following options.

    • Stretches and Exercises for the Muscles Surrounding the Joints (Aerobic and/or Aquatic)
    • Massage Therapy
    • Ultrasound
    • Nerve Stimulation / Neuromodulation

a.Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
b.Pulsed Electrical Stimulation (PES)
c.Neuromuscular Electrostimulation (NMES)
d.Interferential Current (IFC)
e.Noninvasive Interactive Neurostimulation (NIN)

  • Ice Therapy
  • Heat Therapy

Causes of Arthritis that may Benefit from Physical Therapy

Although every situation is different, many of the following problems will often benefit from physical therapy.

Normal Wear and Tear Over Time (Osteoarthritis)

Obesity or Excess Weight

Repetitive Strenuous Activities / Physically Demanding Jobs

Joint Infection

Injury

Post-Surgery

Autoimmune Disorders, like Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

An Important Note:

Arthritis is not something that can be cured. However, it can be treated with the goal of reducing symptoms and future damage. Since arthritis is often a progressive health condition, it is usually best to seek help at its onset. In some cases, like post-surgery for joints (hips, back, knees, shoulders, etc.), it may be best to undergo physical therapy to prevent arthritis from developing. If you are experiencing arthritis or are concerned about developing it and would like to try physical therapy, ask your doctor for a referral. We would be honored to be the ones to help you on your health journey! We are here for you every step of the way.

Questions? Contact us here. We’d love to hear from you!

Disclosure: The information on this page is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to help diagnose or treat medical issues. If you have any medical concerns, please speak with your physical therapist or other licensed medical professional for the best advice.

Testimonial

I cannot believe what Travis has done to eliminate the pain I was in. People would have to experience physical therapy to realize what it can do for you. I wouldn’t have believed it.