Does Physical Therapy Help Arthritis? 5 Ways It Does

As the days of October breeze by, National Physical Therapy Month is coming to a close.

One question I often get asked is: “Does physical therapy genuinely help with arthritis?”

The answer, in short, is a resounding yes. But let’s delve a bit deeper, shall we?

In this blog, you’re going to delve into five ways that physical therapy can help arthritis.

Get ready to reclaim your life from arthritis.

Understanding Arthritis

Before we delve into how physical therapy can be transformative for people with arthritis, it’s essential to understand what arthritis is.

Arthritis isn’t a singular disease; it’s an umbrella term covering over 100 conditions that involve joint inflammation.

Are you experiencing sharp pains in your back? Or maybe your knees?

Symptoms can vary but often include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and decreased range of motion.

It can affect anyone, regardless of age, and make day-to-day activities challenging.

The Importance Of Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is more than rehabilitation after an injury.

It’s about prevention. It’s about getting your body into peak condition

Has it been a while since you hit the gym?

For those gearing up for a gym return, physical therapy may be exactly what you need.

Now, let’s explore the ways in which physical therapy helps arthritis

5 Ways Physical Therapy Helps Arthritis

Pain Management Without Medication

Through targeted movement techniques and specialized exercises, physical therapy offers relief from arthritis discomfort.

It not only diminishes the pain but can, in many cases, offer a viable alternative to continual medication.

This approach not only alleviates pain but also side-steps potential side effects from prolonged drug usage.

Improved Mobility

Are you finding it difficult to get off the couch or to properly stretch your legs on that morning run?

Arthritis often leads to stiffened joints, making simple movements a challenge.

Physical therapy introduces exercises designed specifically to enhance your range of motion.

This ensures fluidity in movement, particularly valuable after periods of inactivity or during those chilly, stiff mornings.

Strengthening Surrounding Muscles

Third, think of the muscles around your joints as a supportive cushion.

When these muscles are robust and well-toned, they offer added protection and support to the joints, potentially reducing pain.

Physical therapy targets these muscles, strengthening them and thereby creating a protective shield around affected joints.

Helping you to enjoy the gym pain-free!

Learning Proper Body Mechanics

Fourth, It’s not just about moving, it’s about moving right.

Under the guidance of expert therapists, you learn the optimal way to carry out daily tasks, from the way you sit at your desk to the manner in which you lift objects.

This knowledge is invaluable in minimizing strain on joints, and ensuring day-to-day activities are carried out with minimal discomfort.

Customized Exercise Training Plan:

If you’re worried your needs won’t be understood, that’s not true.

Each person’s experience with arthritis is unique, which means there can’t be a one-size-fits-all solution.

Recognizing this, physical therapists devise exercise plans tailored to your specific needs and challenges.

This personal touch ensures exercises are both effective and safe, maximizing benefits while minimizing any potential risks.

Ready To Reclaim Your Life From Arthritis? Get Gym Ready

Thinking about kickstarting your fitness journey but grappling with doubts or concerns?

You’re in good company.

I’ve had the pleasure of guiding numerous individuals, many of whom had initial worries, towards achieving their fitness goals.

This National Physical Therapy Month, we’re offering you a Free Wellness Assessment.

Come on over, let’s discuss your fitness goals, and any concerns you might have, and receive personalized advice from an expert member of our team.

If you’re not quite ready for a face-to-face session, no worries! We’re here for you, offering Free Telephone Consultations.

Trust in us. Like the people of Siouxland did, voting us their #1 choice for physical therapy for two consecutive years!

Want to book your Free Wellness Assessment? It’s easy! you can fill in our simple web form or give us a ring at (712) 560-0460.

Can’t wait to get started on this journey with you.

Until then, keep moving and stay strong!

Other Free Resources To Get You Gym Ready

Read Our Blog – 3 Exercises To Get Gym Ready This National Physical Therapy Month

Read Our Blog – 5 Things That Won’t Help Your Back Pain

Proudly voted #1 for Physical Therapy at the Siouxland’s Choice Awards (2022) and proud Physical Therapy and Recovery Session provider to the Sioux City Bandits.

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Keith Roed

PT, DPT, CMPT, Astym Cert. at Impact Physical Therapy and Wellness LLC

Dr. Keith Roed received his Bachelor’s Degree in Health Promotion from South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD in 2007. He then earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree in 2011 from Des Moines University-Osteopathic Medical Center. He has completed extensive post-graduate course work in orthopedic manual therapy, becoming a Certified Manual Physical Therapist (CMPT) in 2014 through the Institute of Manipulative Physiotherapy and Clinical Training (I.M.P.A.C.T.). He has been an Astym Certified Physical Therapist since 2014, which has aided him in helping many people overcome chronic pain conditions and movement deficiencies since 2014. Dr. Keith is also certified in Functional Movement Screens (FMS), which is a tool used to identify asymmetries which result in functional movement deficiencies.

Dr. Keith’s background includes working extensively with foot and ankle issues as well as hip, knee, lower back , hand/wrist, elbow, shoulder and neck pain—including the treatment of acute and chronic headaches. He also works with athletic injuries and those who have chronic or lingering pain, even for years. He takes pride in being able to get positive outcomes with very difficult cases where other treatments or options have failed. He has treated individuals at all ages and skill levels from adolescents to elderly, weekend warriors to college and professional athletes—all with the purpose and goal to return them to their sport or activity that they love.

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