What type of physical therapy is best for arthritis?

 Introduction:

Yes physical therapy will help arthritis in this article you would come to know, Arthritis is a degenerative disease mainly affecting the joints such as knees, hands, and hip joint, the sign and symptoms include crepitus and pain around the joint along with stiffness and oedema. According to a recent study in year 2023 it has affected more than 33 million adults and 3 lakh children in U.S, 

The character of arthritis disease is that it cannot be reversed but with the help of physical therapy the sign and symptoms can be minimized to a lower level so that an individual can perform his/her daily activities. Regular physical therapy for arthritis shows drastic changes in patient's recovery from pain reduction to range of movement and proper function of joints.

Types of Arthritis:

1.Osteoarthritis: The cartilage which covers the bone is damaged, it is the most common type of arthritis and mainly affecting weight bearing joint i.e., knee joint. over 12 million people above age 65 have symptomatic OA, researches show that physical therapy  is an effective treatment for OA knee rather then multiple steroid injections.

 A report also calculated that choosing physical therapy for OA knee over the steroid injections are found that doing so saves close to $14000 including all the hidden costs of your time, pain, missed life events and the money paid for services.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is a auto-immune disease which affects the synovial fluid of joints leading to stiffness, pain, swollen and warm around the joint.

3.  Gout: accumulation of higher level of uric acid in blood results in the form of inflammatory arthritis called gout.

4. Ankylosing spondylitis: arthritis of the spine ( mainly lumbosacral spine)

5. Reactive arthritis 

6. Psoriatic arthritis 

7. Juvenile arthritis 

8. Fibromyalgia

Risk Factors of Arthritis:

1. Obesity- excess body weight leads to have more pressure on weight bearing joints such as knee and hip.

2.  Gender- Arthritis are more common in women than in men.

3. Age- As age increase the type of arthritis increases as you get older.

4. Smoking- cigarette smoking increases a person's risk of developing RA(rheumatoid arthritis)

Diagnosis of Arthritis:

Diagnosis involves several methods:

1. Physical examination: Doctors check for swelling, redness, warmth, and joint movement.
2. Laboratory tests:
   • Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): A blood test to check inflammation.
   • C-reactive protein (CRP): Indicates acute inflammation.
   • Antinuclear antibody test (ANA): Measures antibodies attacking healthy proteins.
   • Anti-cyclic citrullinated protein test (Anti-CCP): Identifies the antibody causing rheumatoid arthritis.
3. Imaging tests:
   • X-rays: Visualize bone, cartilage loss, bone damage, and spurs.
   • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Provides detailed images of soft tissues.
   • Ultrasound: Checks for fluid-containing structures in joints.

Treatment of Arthritis:

Physical therapy should be the first line of treatment for any kind of arthritis followed by lifestyle changes and medication, arthritis pain and swelling is controlled by electrotherapy modalities while joint stiffness and tenderness is overcome by hands on manual technique by physical therapist. 

By doing physical therapy it has a direct effect on body part surrounding muscles and joint, the muscles around the joint will get stronger which in turn support the joint. Also reducing the stiffness results in increasing joint range of movement, joints will become supple and less likely to become stiff. 

Physical therapy exercises leads to release chemicals in the body called endorphins, these are natural painkillers which are produced by our body. Releasing them into blood through exercise can make us feel good, exercise improves our overall health and fitness and can help us to maintain healthy weight because as we know that obesity is a major reason of osteoarthritis. Also doing regular physical therapy exercise helps to get good sleep, which in turn help the body to repair itself naturally.

  Related article- can physical therapy help with chronic pain?

With physical therapy other treatment also aids to overcome arthritis, some of them are mentioned below:

• medication and supplements 

• fiber rich diet 

• lifestyle changes in which you have to avoid long sitting or standing

• occupational therapy 

• weight check regularly to prevent obesity

• daily routine exercises

Related article- best muscle rub to relieve pain

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in managing arthritis symptoms and improving overall function. Here are some ways physical therapy can benefit individuals with arthritis:

1. Joint Mobility and Flexibility: Physical therapists design personalized exercise plans to enhance joint mobility and flexibility. These exercises help maintain or restore the range of motion in affected joints.

2. Strength Training: Strengthening exercises are essential for supporting joints and preventing further damage. A physical therapist will guide you through exercises that target specific muscle groups, helping you build strength.

3. Pain Relief Techniques: Physical therapists teach techniques to alleviate pain. These may include proper posture, body mechanics during daily activities, and the use of assistive devices like walkers or canes.

4. Hot and Cold Therapy: Heat and cold treatments can ease joint pain and stiffness. Your therapist may recommend using heat packs or cold compresses as part of your self-care routine.

5. Environmental Modifications: If your environment affects your arthritis symptoms, a physical therapist can suggest modifications. For instance, ergonomic chairs or cushioned mats can reduce pain and improve function.

6. Individualized Plans: During physical therapy sessions, you’ll learn how to perform exercises and self-care techniques independently. The visits are typically short (about an hour) and focus on identifying functional problems and providing strategies for home care.

Remember, periodic visits every few months are usually sufficient to update your program if necessary. Whether your goal is pain-free movement, improved daily activities, or specific tasks, a physical therapist can tailor a plan to help you achieve it.

If you’re experiencing arthritis-related pain or stiffness, consider consulting a physical therapist to create a personalized treatment plan that suits your needs. 🌟

Conclusion: 

Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease which require special attention and care, also managed with lifestyle modification and exercises. Ergonomic changes at your home and work place controls arthritis up to a level and also try to be physically active as much as you can. Myself Dr. Shailendra Chourey in practice of physical therapy since 2010 comes to a conclusion that you should not ignore any type of arthritis pain and must visit a physical therapist for correct treatment. 

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