Some arthritic patients worry that their little twinges of pain aren’t enough to “bother” a physical therapist about. Others feel hopeless about improving severe pain and stiffness. Yet PT can be invaluable for any person with arthritis. Here are just a few ways physical therapy for arthritis can help.
Make Your Environment More Efficient
It’s understandable if gaining more joint flexibility is your primary physical therapy goal. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t also make your environment a bit less challenging. A physical therapist can visit your home and/or workspace and make recommendations on modifying those areas.
Changes can be as simple as an ergonomic chair. A specialized mat to stand on in the kitchen is another inexpensive addition that can make a big difference. Modifications might also include gadgets that enable you to reach high shelves, as well as open packages and food items. Remote controls can save steps when it comes to adjusting lighting, heating, and other home features.
Evaluate Assistance Devices
You may feel reluctant about using a walker or a cane. But sometimes your doctor may strongly recommend them for a transitional period. Many canes and walker options exist for different arthritic conditions and lifestyle needs. It might be confusing to know which type to get. Your physical therapist can recommend the right assistance device for you, and help you learn how to use it.
In addition, physical therapists may suggest other tools for comfort and ease of movement. Depending on where your arthritis is, these might include shoe inserts, splints or braces. These are all designed to take pressure off your lower body, arms or hands.
Learn the Most Effective Exercises
Flexibility exercise is also crucial in physical therapy for arthritis. Stretches that gradually increase your range of motion and ease stiffness are usually the cornerstone of physical therapy for arthritis.
Although joints are most affected by arthritis, it’s also important to keep the surrounding muscles strong. That’s because muscles support joints. Toning your muscles adds support to the arthritic joints, which removes physical stress. Your physical therapist may recommend strength training with bodyweight, exercise bands or free weights.
Physical therapy is also beneficial for arthritis patients because it teaches patients how to improve posture while sitting, standing and walking. In turn, this improved posture takes the pressure off aching joints. Our highly professional team at STI Rehab wants to help you be the best you. Contact our team to schedule an appointment so you can get back to feeling healthy.
Find More Lasting Pain Relief
Prescription and OTC medication doesn’t have to be your only ally in the fight against aches and pains. Your physical therapist can apply specialized heat and cold therapy that goes beyond ice packs and heating pads.
In addition, the PT facility may be equipped with machines which deliver mild electronic pulses. This type of pain relief therapy helps block the pain “messages” fibers near your arthritic joints are sending. Whether you’re coping with knee pain, hip stiffness, aching ankles or upper-body pain, consider PT as an alternative or supplement to medication.
