What can a physical therapist do for arthritis?

When you’ve been diagnosed with a chronic condition like arthritis, you may feel resigned to a life of living with pain and lots of medications. However, it doesn’t have to be this way. People with arthritis can reduce their pain, improve their range of motion and have a better quality of life with physical therapy treatment. 

Why you need physical therapy for arthritis treatment

Physical therapists are licensed health care professionals who specialize in treating musculoskeletal conditions like arthritis. Physical therapy treatments do not involve the use of medications, which is beneficial because medications cause many undesirable side effects.

Physical therapy treatments for arthritis vary depending on the type of arthritis you have and how severely it’s affecting you. Your physical therapist can examine your symptoms and review your medical history to develop a personalized treatment routine to help you feel better. 

How do physical therapists treat arthritis?

Depending on the cause and severity of your arthritis, your physical therapy treatment may include:

• Therapeutic exercise — Gentle exercises and stretches help strengthen the muscles and soft tissue around the joints. This provides better structural support for the bones and joints, which reduces pressure off the areas affected by arthritis. 
• Manual therapy — Physical therapists use manual therapy techniques for mobilizing and manipulating the joints into positions that help reduce pain and improve range of motion. This may also include deep tissue massage for reducing tension in the muscles to improve structural support and promote relaxation.  
• Electrical stimulation — Your physical therapist may connect you to a small machine that delivers tiny bursts of electricity to the muscles around your joints. This forces the muscles to contract and release, which helps reduce tension and pain around the joints. 

Visit Advent Physical Therapy for arthritis treatment

Our physical therapists at Advent Physical Therapy specialize in a variety of treatments for arthritis and many other conditions. If you have pain and difficulty moving your joints, our team can develop a treatment for you. Contact our team today for more information about arthritis treatment or to schedule an initial appointment.