Managing Arthritis Pain With Physical Therapy: What You Need To Know

In this guide, Metro Healthcare Partners will explain how physical therapy in Brooklyn, NY, could help you manage arthritis pain and improve your quality of life.

Are you struggling with the persistent pain and stiffness of arthritis? You’re not alone. In fact, between 2019 and 2021, around 53.2 million American adults were diagnosed with arthritis, according to the CDC.

But there’s good news: Physical therapy can be a game-changer in managing arthritis symptoms. Does physical therapy help arthritis?

What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It’s characterized by inflammation in one or more joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. There are over 100 types of arthritis, with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis being the most common.

While we tend to think of arthritis only affecting adults, it can also impact the well-being of children. According to the Arthritis Foundation, arthritis affects over 300,000 American children.

Arthritis can significantly impact your daily life, making simple tasks challenging and affecting your overall well-being. While there’s no cure for most types of arthritis, various treatments can help manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. One such effective treatment is physical therapy.

How Does Physical Therapy Work?

So, how does physical therapy help arthritis patients? Physical therapy for arthritis is a comprehensive approach that combines various techniques to address pain, improve function, and enhance your overall quality of life. 

At its core, physical therapy aims to strengthen the muscles around your affected joints, improve flexibility, and enhance your body’s natural healing processes. Your physical therapist will start by conducting a thorough assessment of your condition, including your pain levels, range of motion, and overall physical function.

Based on this assessment, they’ll develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals. This plan typically includes a combination of exercises, manual therapy techniques, and education about your condition.

Is Physical Therapy Good for Arthritis Pain?

Physical therapy can play a crucial role in managing arthritis pain and improving overall joint function. According to a study published by StatPearls, physical therapy may significantly reduce pain and improve physical function in patients with osteoarthritis.

An experienced physical therapist can design a treatment plan tailored to your needs and arthritis type. The goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance your ability to perform daily activities independently and with confidence. Let’s explore some key ways physical therapy can help below.

Improve Your Range of Motion

Arthritis often leads to joint stiffness, limiting your range of motion. Physical therapy incorporates exercises and stretches that may help improve flexibility and maintain joint mobility. These exercises are designed to help you move more freely and with less pain.

A study published in the Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Journal found that a four-week physical therapy program significantly improved the range of motion in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Alleviate Pain and Inflammation

According to the Arthritis Foundation, pain and inflammation are common symptoms of arthritis. This inflammatory pain could result from bone erosions, swollen joint capsules, joint fusions, or muscle weakness, among other causes. 

Physical therapists use various techniques to reduce pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. These may include manual therapy, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and heat or cold therapy. Addressing pain and inflammation may improve comfort and joint function.

Strengthen Your Muscles and Boost Endurance

Weak muscles can contribute to joint instability and increased pain. Physical therapy includes exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding your affected joints. This may not only provide better support for your joints but also help improve your overall endurance.

The Arthritis Foundation, World Health Organization, CDC, and American College of Rheumatology all consider exercise a crucial part of arthritis treatment plans. 

Common Physical Therapy Techniques for Addressing Arthritis Pain

How exactly does physical therapy help arthritis patients? Physical therapists employ various techniques to help manage arthritis pain:

• Manual Therapy: This hands-on approach includes joint mobilization, soft tissue massage, and stretching with the goal of improving joint mobility and reducing pain.
• Therapeutic Exercises: These tailored exercises help improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion and may include low-impact aerobic exercises, strength training, and flexibility exercises.
• Thermotherapy and Cryotherapy: Heat therapy can help relax muscles and increase blood flow, while cold therapy can reduce inflammation and numb pain.

Your physical therapist will create a personalized treatment plan combining these techniques.

Take Control of Your Arthritis Pain With Metro Healthcare Partners

Physical therapy offers a safe way to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. At Metro Healthcare Partners, we’re committed to helping you find relief from arthritis pain.

Our team of experienced physical therapists specializes in different orthopedic services for different needs, including comprehensive arthritis management. We offer personalized treatment plans designed to address your unique symptoms and goals.

Contact Metro Healthcare Partners at 718-874-1204 to learn more about how our physical therapy services can help manage your arthritis pain in Brooklyn, NY. Doctors listed in our directory accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.

FAQ

How Often Should I Do Physical Therapy for Arthritis?

How often you do physical therapy for arthritis varies depending on your needs and the severity of your symptoms. Your physical therapist will create a personalized treatment plan, which may initially include two to three sessions per week but gradually decrease as you improve.

Does Physical Therapy Help Arthritis Pain, or Does It Make It Worse?

When done correctly under the guidance of a qualified physical therapist, physical therapy should not make arthritis worse. Your therapist will tailor exercises to your specific condition and adjust the intensity as needed to ensure safety and effectiveness.

How Long Does It Take To See Results From Physical Therapy for Arthritis?

Many patients begin to experience some relief within a few weeks of starting physical therapy for arthritis. However, significant improvements in pain and function may take several weeks to months of consistent therapy and home exercises.