Pain due to arthritis is often chronic, and can cause very dull, achy and stiff feeling joints. Often times, the stiffness and achiness is worse after staying in one position for a prolonged period of time. For example:
- Sitting
- Sleeping
- Standing
Why does arthritis happen and where?
Arthritis commonly happens due to normal joint changes that occur from moving and being under gravity, but can also happen in people who have been sedentary. Please refer to our previous blog on “wear and tear” for more info. But it can also be influenced by genetics. https://loudounsportstherapy.com/knee-osteo-5-18
Most large weight bearing joints in your body can become arthritic such as:
- the knees
- hips
- joints in the spine.
Can PT help with my arthritic joints?
PT can certainly help with helping you to have less pain, and increase strength around the joints. We can also help to improve range of motion in arthritic joints which is a huge problem especially in joints that are most affected like the spine, knees and hips. If we start to lose range of motion, then it will be more difficult to perform everyday tasks including walking and getting dressed among others.
What will my physical therapist do to help my pain?
Your physical therapist will evaluate your joint mobility, strength, and level of pain. In addition they will want to know what you are having difficulty with. Once they have this information they will be able to provide you with a stretching and strengthening regime to perform at home. In addition to that, in your visit the physical therapist will address any stiffness in your joints or muscles with what is called “manual therapy techniques”. This essentially means that the PT will use their hands to loosen up a tight joint or decrease muscle tightness and painful muscle knots.
Will I need surgery instead of PT?
Whether or not a person needs surgery to improve their ability to do normal activities with little or no pain is a very individualized decision. A physical therapist can help you to make this decision, and often times having PT BEFORE surgery is very beneficial to improve post-surgical outcomes.
Should I wait to try PT until I notice more problems?
If you are having little to no pain or stiffness, then it may be worth trying a pool or aquatic based exercise program. They are great to try as it is unlikely to increase pain while relatively weightless in the pool. But if you are noticing more discomfort and stiffness that is starting to worry you or impede your ability to perform normal activities then definitely consider a trial of physical therapy sooner than later. If you are also concerned about starting a new exercise program on your own and only have mild symptoms, a PT can help you with that as well.
