How Physical Therapy Can Help Your Arthritis Pain

Do you wake up with stiff, aching joints? You might be experiencing early-onset arthritis, but physical therapy can help manage and reduce your pain. Arthritis, affecting over 50 million people in the U.S., can cause severe pain and inflammation in the joints. Osteoarthritis occurs when joint cartilage wears down due to aging or overuse, causing bones to grind against each other, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that attacks the joints, often affecting both sides of the body.

Physical therapy can help restore joint motion, strengthen muscles, and improve overall movement, often avoiding the need for surgery or medications. Our therapists will create a customized treatment plan and teach you exercises to practice at home. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and start your journey to lasting relief.

Atlanta Physical Therapy for Arthritis Pain Relief

Understanding Arthritis and Its Impact

Have you found yourself waking up with stiff joints that ache as you get moving, or become more painful during the day? If you’re nodding your head yes, this might be a sign that you’re experiencing symptoms of early-onset arthritis. Many people live with this condition and do not seek treatment because they believe that it is just something they have to deal with as they grow older. This is far from the truth. Arthritis is a painful condition that can significantly impact your quality of life, but with the right treatment, you can manage your symptoms and continue to lead an active lifestyle.

The Prevalence and Types of Arthritis

Arthritis is a very common condition, affecting over 50 million people in the United States alone, according to the Arthritis Foundation. It is the leading cause of disability across America, causing moderate to severe pain and inflammation in one or multiple joints in the body. Arthritis can strike anyone at any age, and its symptoms can vary widely.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis

The most widely recognized type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which occurs when the cartilage in the joints begins to wear down due to aging or overuse. Without this cushy barrier, bones start to touch and grind against each other, causing pain and inflammation. Osteoarthritis is easy to diagnose and is often linked to sudden injuries or repetitive motions in careers or activities. For example, athletes, carpenters, and overweight individuals are at a higher risk for developing osteoarthritis due to the constant strain on their joints.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis, also known as inflammatory arthritis, is an autoimmune disease more commonly found in females. It affects multiple joints at once and develops when the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. Factors contributing to the development of rheumatoid arthritis include medical history, hormones, and environmental factors. This condition often affects the same joints on both sides of the body, causing pain, swelling, and tenderness.

Symptoms and Signs of Arthritis

People struggling with arthritis tend to experience soreness around their joints, which worsens after prolonged standing or sitting. Movement, such as bending at the knees, can exacerbate the pain. Common symptoms include:

  • Joint pain and tenderness

  • Swelling and inflammation

  • Stiffness, especially in the morning

  • Clicking or popping noises in the joints

  • Pain during or after physical activity

  • Reduced range of motion

These symptoms can interfere with daily activities, making it essential to seek professional help to manage the condition effectively.

Causes of Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Osteoarthritis can result from sudden injuries or repetitive motions that cause joint damage. Even after an injury has healed, the surrounding muscles and cartilage may remain damaged, leading to decreased joint support and altered joint motion. This increases the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis in the future. Repetitive motions in certain careers, such as carpentry or sports, can also contribute to the development of osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis develops as an autoimmune response, where the immune system targets and attacks the joints. Factors such as medical history, hormonal changes, and environmental influences play a role in its development. This condition often affects the same joints on both sides of the body, causing symmetrical joint pain and inflammation.

How Physical Therapy Can Help Ease Arthritis Pain

Physical therapy offers numerous benefits to people suffering from arthritis pain. It helps restore normal joint motion, strengthens supporting muscles, and improves overall movement patterns. At One on One Physical Therapy, our Atlanta physical therapists conduct thorough physical examinations to determine the best treatment for your specific pain problems. Here’s how physical therapy can help:

Personalized Treatment Plans

Our physical therapists will create a customized treatment plan based on your individual needs. This may include targeted exercises, stretches, and manual therapy to alleviate pain and improve joint function. These treatments cater to your specific condition, ensuring a lasting recovery.

Strengthening and Flexibility Exercises

Physical therapy includes exercises designed to strengthen the muscles around your joints, improving stability and reducing strain. Flexibility exercises help maintain or increase your range of motion, making daily activities easier and less painful.

Pain Management Techniques

Physical therapists use various pain management techniques, such as heat and cold therapy, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation, to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. These modalities can provide immediate relief and complement your exercise routine.

Education and Self-Management

Our therapists educate patients on ways to prevent future joint injuries and manage arthritis symptoms at home. You’ll learn exercises and lifestyle modifications that can help you maintain joint health and reduce pain in the long term.

Get Started with Physical Therapy Today

There is no reason for you to live in pain any longer. Contact our Atlanta physical therapy office today for more information and to schedule your initial consultation. Our experienced physical therapists are ready to help you start on the path to long-lasting pain relief. At One on One Physical Therapy, we are committed to providing the highest quality care to help you regain your comfort and functionality.