The Benefits of Physical Therapy for Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common joint conditions we see today, affecting millions of people and becoming increasingly prevalent as we age. At its core, osteoarthritis involves an imbalance between the cells responsible for the natural breakdown and repair of cartilage within a joint. Over time, this can contribute to changes within the joint, including cartilage loss, inflammation, narrowing of the joint space, and the development of bone spurs.
These changes can lead to symptoms such as pain, stiffness, swelling, cracking or clicking of the joint, and decreased range of motion. Osteoarthritis can affect many different joints, including the knees, hips, hands, and spine, and the symptoms can vary significantly from person to person.
There are also many different factors that can contribute to the development and progression of osteoarthritis. This can make arthritis confusing, especially when you are trying to understand why your joint hurts or what you can do about it. But let me tell you a little secret:
Just because you have arthritis does not mean that surgery is required.
Yes, surgery can be a very helpful treatment option for some individuals and has helped many patients regain function and improve their quality of life. However, surgery is not the only option. One of the most impactful non-surgical treatments for managing osteoarthritis is physical therapy.
So, How Can Physical Therapy Help?
Physical therapy cannot remove the arthritis that is already present within a joint. However, that does not mean you are destined to live with constant pain or eventually need surgery.
Many individuals with osteoarthritis are able to maintain an active, fulfilling lifestyle by learning how to better manage their symptoms and improve the way their body moves.
In physical therapy, a combination of hands-on treatment and exercise can be used to help manage symptoms and improve function.
Your physical therapist may use manual therapy to help improve joint mobility and reduce tightness in the muscles and surrounding tissues. This can make movement more comfortable and allow you to move through a greater range of motion.
This is paired with an individualized exercise program designed to address the factors that may be contributing to your symptoms. Exercise may include:
Resistance training to improve the strength of the muscles that support the affected joint.
Movement training to improve mechanics during everyday activities and reduce unnecessary stress on the joint.
Aerobic exercise to improve cardiovascular health, circulation, and overall activity tolerance.
Mobility exercises to help maintain or improve your available range of motion.
Functional training to help you return to the activities you need and enjoy, whether that means walking, exercising, working, playing with your kids, or participating in your favorite hobbies.
The goal isn't simply to make your joint feel better temporarily. It is to help you build the strength, mobility, and confidence needed to continue moving and participating in the activities that are important to you.
Depending on your individual needs and goals, your physical therapist may also incorporate additional treatment techniques such as blood flow restriction therapy, shockwave therapy, dry needling, or cupping therapy as part of your treatment plan when appropriate.
Don't Let Arthritis Make Your Decisions for You
Having osteoarthritis does not mean you have to stop doing the things you love. While we cannot reverse the structural changes associated with arthritis, physical therapy can help you take an active role in managing your symptoms, improving your physical capacity, and maintaining your independence.
If you are tired of letting arthritis control what you can and cannot do, physical therapy may be a great place to start.
At Ark Physical Therapy, we take the time to understand what is contributing to your symptoms and develop an individualized plan to help you move better, feel better, and get back to the activities you love.
If osteoarthritis is limiting your daily life, contact Ark Physical Therapy today to schedule an evaluation and take the first step toward managing your symptoms.
