When suffering from arthritis, you are more prone to seek out all the options that might help alleviate the pain you experience on a daily basis. Physical therapy is one option that is drawing many people to book appointments as a viable treatment option.
Physical therapists are trained and skilled in the area of relieving symptoms caused by arthritis, improving a patient’s mobility, and helping the patient regain a sense of well-being. Let’s explore in more detail how physical therapists achieve this and how it is changing the game when it comes to arthritis.
Physical Therapy: Regaining Mobility and Function
Mobility and functional training are more than just exercises you might see at the gym, they are specific ways your body can respond to movements that enhance its overall function. As we age, we tend to lose our flexibility and functionality with everyday activities.
For example, you might find it difficult to bend down and tie your shoe or twist at the waist to close the door. Physical therapy helps address arthritis symptoms by taking you through specific key exercises and showing you techniques to move your joints with as little pain as possible.
Reducing the Symptoms of Arthritis
Improved movement through ease of both tension and release of muscles, ligaments and joint movement is at the heart of what physical therapists do. However, there’s more to addressing arthritis than just exercises. Usually, your PT will include recommended supplements, topical treatments and medications to relieve inflammation in the joints and assist with the progress your therapy regimen is making.
Since arthritis impacts you on a daily basis with everyday activities and functions, you should begin to see improvements rather quickly when you begin receiving regular physical therapy. Your PT will evaluate your current state and measure your progress as you remain consistent with your appointments. Your posture, muscle imbalances and overall body mechanics will be evaluated and a personalized treatment plan put in place to improve all areas of concern while reducing the pain and likelihood of injury.
Making Progress with Regular Physical Therapy
What does progress look like? Well, based on your PT’s evaluation and your starting point, you should notice an increase in your range of motion and improved movement patterns. Along with a significant reduction in pain, your progress will depend on your cooperation with the guidelines and treatment care plan outlined by your PT. If you are shown specific stretches or things you should do at certain times of the day, be sure to keep up with those and other instructions as you journey towards better health and regained independence.
Arthritis doesn’t have to be as debilitating as it may seem. You can and should seek help, taking advantage of the many resources available. With consistent effort and some intentional changes to your dietary lifestyle and other areas your PT will address, you should expect a dramatic improvement in your quality of life.
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