Suffering from Arthritis? Here’s how physical therapy can help.

Approximately 50 million Americans suffer from arthritis. That totals about 20% of the nation’s population, meaning that 1-in-5 people have or will be diagnosed with arthritis in their lifetime.

What is arthritis?

There are different types of arthritis; generally speaking, arthritis occurs when more than one of an individual’s joints are inflamed. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis. A person who has osteoarthritis has worn away cartilage, therefore their joints lose strength and pain increases due to bones rubbing against one another. The second most common type of arthritis is called rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease, in which the body mistakenly attacks healthy cells, causing inflammation and in most cases, major pain.

What causes arthritis?

Risk factors for arthritis include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Genetics
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Injuries to the joints in the body
• In rare cases, infection

How can physical therapy help patients suffering from arthritis?

Fortunately, physical therapy can assist in relieving pain caused from arthritis. Because physical therapy places an emphasis on different movements of the body, and arthritis patients generally suffer from pain while moving, physical therapists can help assess exercises that will strengthen joints weakened by arthritis.

A physical therapist can also determine the best course of treatment and an exercise plan that will tailor to each individual patient’s needs. Additionally, physical therapists can instruct a patient how to use walking devices as canes, if needed.

Before beginning any new physical therapy regimen, it is important you consult with your physician or specialist. If you would like to learn more about Theramotion’s work with patients please contact us at 718-279-9800. Additionally, you can fill out contact information on our Contact Us page and we will get back to you.