How does physical therapy treat rheumatoid arthritis in Grand Rapids, MI?

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis that affects millions of people. It is a degenerative condition that causes inflammation in the joints that damages your cartilage. This, in turn, makes it painful for you to use your joints and can limit your range of motion.

Fortunately, there are treatment options for arthritis like physical therapy.

How can a physical therapist help you if you have rheumatoid arthritis?

Traditional treatments for arthritis include medications and surgical procedures. While these may be helpful in their own ways, they come with many undesirable side effects that drive the need for alternatives. 

Medications can cause side effects that impact your quality of life. Surgery has high risks for infection and requires a long and painful recovery process. Physical therapy has none of these consequences. Instead, it helps by empowering your own body to treat arthritis by:

• Improving your strength and flexibility — This is a key element to many physical therapy treatments for arthritis. Weak and stiff muscles, ligaments and tendons increase strain on the joints, which makes arthritis pain worse. Improving your strength and flexibility helps provide better support for these joints. This reduces pressure off the joints, which helps reduce pain.
• Improving your range of motion — Stretches, exercises and manual therapy techniques can help improve your range of motion. This helps you retain the ability to perform tasks independently when arthritis is limiting your range of motion.
• Improving your balance — Arthritis in your spine, hips, knees and ankles can make it difficult for you to balance. This increases the risk of getting hurt in a fall. Physical therapists can help you improve your balance to cut down on the risk of falling due to arthritis.
• Improving your posture — Poor posture increases the strain on your joints, which makes arthritic pain more severe. Physical therapists can help you improve your posture to reduce pressure on the joints. 

Visit Advent Physical Therapy in Grand Rapids, MI, for rheumatoid arthritis treatment

Our team at Advent Physical Therapy in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is highly trained in these treatments and others for rheumatoid arthritis. If arthritis is affecting your ability to live your fullest quality of life, talk to us and find out how we can help. Contact our team today for more information about arthritis treatment or to schedule an initial appointment.