ARTHRITIS
Arthritis refers to the inflammation of one or more joints, leading to stiffness, swelling, and tenderness. With over 100 different types, the symptoms and severity can vary greatly depending on the specific type of arthritis.
The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), both involving the breakdown of cartilage but with different underlying causes. Osteoarthritis is typically a result of age-related wear and tear on the cartilage, although infection or injury can accelerate the process. It progresses slowly over time before joint damage becomes evident, affecting around 27 million Americans. On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the synovium mistakenly attacks and destroys joints, leading to bone and cartilage damage. Joint damage can occur within a few months after the onset of RA symptoms, and approximately 1.5 million U.S. adults have this condition.
Arthritis can affect individuals of all ages, including children and newborns, and a family history of arthritis can increase the risk.
Role of Physical Therapy
Physical therapy plays a crucial role in the evaluation and treatment of movement dysfunctions associated with arthritis. Physical therapists, as experts in this field, treat various muscle, joint, and neurological conditions across all age groups. Successful treatment by physical therapists has been observed in several conditions related to arthritis, such as joint pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, knee arthritis, hip arthritis, shoulder arthritis, and hand arthritis.
When it comes to treatment options, physical therapy offers advantages such as no side effects, cost-effectiveness, support from clinical research, and a customized approach targeting the underlying cause of the condition.
Recovery Process
The recovery process through physical therapy involves the restoration of joint motion, strengthening of muscles, pain relief, improved function, and promoting independent care. This is achieved through a comprehensive approach that includes a biomechanical evaluation, patient education, a personalized treatment plan, joint mobilization techniques to reduce stiffness, pain-relieving modalities (e.g., ice, heat, ultrasound, electrical stimulation), targeted muscle stretching, progressive strength training, and balance and functional re-education.
The duration and frequency of physical therapy treatment may vary for each individual, ranging from a few visits to an extended care plan spanning weeks or months. If you’re seeking long-term relief and wish to address the underlying cause rather than just managing symptoms, physical therapy can be an effective solution.