That tenderness, swelling, and stiffness of the joints known as arthritis affects nearly a quarter of all adults in the United States — some 58 million people, according to the CDC. It’s the No. 1 cause of work disability. The condition can make everyday tasks painful and decrease the quality of life.
While many arthritis sufferers resort to giving up the activities they love, or turn to medication to ease their discomfort, the physical therapist at The Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Center guides patients through a process that helps the body adjust and heal itself. Working with your doctor, we create a personalized treatment plan to promote pain relief, expand range of motion to the affected area, and strengthen the surrounding muscles to properly support the joints. Each patient benefits from extensive one-on-one sessions with our physical therapist, as well as access to the latest advances in equipment in our clean, state-of-the-art facility. Your progress is carefully measured during each visit, allowing us to adjust your treatment program accordingly. Each patient receives a detailed home program to use between sessions and once our work together has ended.
Physical therapy is most successful in treating osteoarthritis — the most common form of arthritis — which is characterized by pain, stiffness (often in the morning or after a period of inactivity), and a loss of flexibility. It’s typically caused by the breakdown of cartilage that acts as a protective covering for the joints. This flexible connective tissue wears down over years of use, or because of a sports injury or accident. Gentle stretching and strengthening under the care of our physical therapist has shown positive results for people of different ages and levels of fitness.
Before considering medical alternatives, let the physical therapist at The Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Center work with you and your doctor to create a natural path to healing. Please don’t hesitate to contact our office today to arrange an evaluation.