Doctors recommend joining a physical therapy program for degenerative joint disease (DJD). But do you know why physical therapy exercises are good for treating DJD? We will explain in this post.
Degenerative disk disease is a form of osteoarthritis and is a “wear and tear” disease. It occurs because of wear and tear on the cartilage between the joints. The underlying cause of osteoarthritis is chronic repetitive motion, resulting in inflammation and structural joint damage.
DJD affects any joint, but the most common joints are knees, hands, hips, and spine. The joint damage and inflammation cycle breaks down cartilage that serves as a smooth gliding surface and cushion in the joints. The disease leads to pain and discomfort, reducing function and mobility, and often leads to weight gain. Symptoms cause further complications and reduce the quality of life.
Symptoms of Degenerative Joint Disease
As the cartilage deteriorates due to DJD’s attack, basic motions become challenging for people suffering from it. People experience a loss of flexibility and an uncomfortable grating sensation in the affected joint(s) and bone spurs.
When people cannot move, they start living a sedentary lifestyle and gain weight. The changed lifestyle and weight gain further complicate people’s health.
Common symptoms of DJD are pain, tenderness, joint stiffness, and loss of flexibility.
Benefits of Physical Therapy Exercises for Degenerative
Joint Disease
You can benefit from physical therapy in the following ways:
Decreases joint pain
Physical therapy exercises reduce joint stiffness by improving circulation and increasing blood flow. When there is no stiffness on the joint, you don’t feel the pain, and movement becomes easier.
Improves range of motion
Physical therapy increases flexibility, improving the range of motion. You can perform your daily activities conveniently by maintaining your range of motion.
Strengthens supporting muscles
Exercises performed during a physical therapy session strongly support joints by strengthening the muscles surrounding them, reducing pain and improving functioning. For example, strengthening the quadriceps and hamstrings supports the knees.
Promotes stability and balance
In many people, osteoarthritis leads to decreased muscle strength, joint instability, and movement issues. Typically, these factors should be in place to keep you stable and balanced. You can improve these areas by joining a physical therapy program, promoting better balance and stability.
Other ways to manage Degenerative Joint Disease
Physical therapy is one of the best non-invasive treatments for DJD. However, you can enhance the therapy results with the following general tips:
Stay active: You can maintain strength and flexibility by exercising regularly or involving yourself in other physical activities. Choose exercises that are comfortable and don’t increase your pain.
Lose weight: Weight is one of the major culprits of degenerative joint disease. Excessive weight stresses joints and increases pain. If the weight is within the healthy range, there is less stress on joints, and pain is reduced.
Come to A Plus Care LA
If you are looking for physical therapy in Los Angeles, CA, contact A Plus Care LA. We have a team of qualified and experienced physical therapists on our team who can help you eliminate symptoms of degenerative joint disease and recover from it.
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