How Can Physical Therapy Treatment Help with Arthritis?

Arthritis is a form of illness that affects the joints and causes inflammation and tenderness.  It could be an autoimmune disease, causing severe pain in various body joints, reducing mobility, and causing swellings.  Commonly, arthritis impacts joints such as the wrist, fingers, ankle, and knees.

One of the most effective solutions to arthritis is physical therapy treatment.   It reduces stiffness, strengthens the joints, and aids flexibility, improving people's ability to perform daily activities and improving their life quality.

Role of physical therapy specialists in treating arthritis

Increases joint's range of motion

Physical therapy includes several exercises. Some of these exercises improve joint mobility, such as flexion, rotation, etc. They also help in increasing blood flow in joints and muscles, preparing them for better movement.

Improves balance

Physical therapy treatment can also strengthen the bones and joints, such as knees and ankles, improving the balance of the person. The therapy helps to provide stability in walking, running, and jogging, and more.   This increased strength helps people suffering from arthritis in managing and reducing joint pain.

Strengthens the muscles

When joints are affected and begin to experience swelling, most people’s tendency is to use the muscles surrounding the joints less. As a result, the condition of muscles starts deteriorating, and they lack strength.  Physical therapy increases activity in the body's muscles located in and around joints and strengthens them.

Adjusts posture

Sometimes, people experience mild deformities because of arthritis, leading to poor posture.  Regular intervention from a physical therapist manages deformities and improves posture. It's said that strengthening joints and muscles successfully improves posture in individuals.

What's included in physical therapy treatment for arthritis?

Customized exercise program

Physical therapists investigate the medical condition of individuals to better understand their conditions. They create a customized exercise program and plan a rehabilitation measure for them. Customized treatment plans help in effectively managing the condition.

Pain relief treatments

Physical therapists plan various pain relief treatments, which include massages, exercises, and other therapies. These treatments are customized based on individuals' conditions so that managing arthritis pain becomes easier for them.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture relieves pressure points in the body, effectively managing the body's pain.  With relief in body pressure points, the mobility in the joints increases, and stress on them and surrounding regions decreases.

Ice and heat packs

Ice and heat packs play a crucial role in arthritis, so they are preferred by physical therapy specialists. They prepare a well-defined schedule that includes the alternate use of ice and heat packs.  Using both in a proper balance reduces swelling and inflammation and increases movement.

Electrotherapy

Electrotherapy includes the passing of gentle pulses of electricity through the muscles, reducing pain and inflammation. Your therapist can also teach you how to safely use these therapies on your own. The process improves strength and joint mobility.

Use of assistive devices

Assisted devices for arthritis include canes, walkers, braces, etc.. Physical therapists may recommend them to manage mobility with arthritis, increasing individual freedom and reducing dependency on others for any sort of task.

Reach out to A Plus Care LA for physical therapy treatment

A Plus Care LA offers physical therapy services in Los Angeles, California, at home. You or loved ones facing mobility issues don't have to navigate to and from weekly appointments.  We will visit you according to your schedule and treat you in the comfort of your home.

To know more about our physical therapy services, contact us today!!