5 Ways Physical Therapy Can Help With Arthritis

Have you been diagnosed with arthritis, or do you care for someone who has been? Are you finding it harder to get around and are fed up with relying on pain medication?

You aren’t alone. Many people who have arthritis want to improve the soreness and lack of mobility that can come with arthritis without needing to have multiple prescriptions. Luckily, there are many physical therapists who can help people who have this condition to better manage, improving their quality of life, well-being, and, of course, discomfort levels. 

So, why is it worth going to physical therapy for arthritis? Read on to find out!

Discomfort Reduction

There are no two ways about it; arthritis is a very uncomfortable condition, especially when the weather is cooler or damper. 

Ergo, all physical therapy in Freehold, NJ, will be targeted at reducing discomfort in the affected joints. Your physical therapist will conduct a physical examination to assess which exercises will help to reduce the discomfort, as well as relieve any pressure on the joints caused by excess fluid retention.

Increased Mobility

One thing that all people who have arthritis can attest to is that it causes the joints it affects to seize up, leading to decreased mobility.

When you begin physical therapy, your therapist will aim to loosen the joints with specialised exercises, which will improve the range of motion that you have in your body. This will reduce muscular strains caused by sore joints, and will also help you to retain your independence for longer.

Strengthening of Muscles

When you have arthritis, it can lead to muscular degeneration, especially if you have rheumatoid arthritis. This can, in turn, lead to someone putting more pressure on to their joints to compensate for the lack of muscular stability. 

Your physical therapist will aim to help you build up muscles around the joints that are affected by arthritis, causing less soreness, as well as encouraging discomfort-free movement.

Improve Gait and Balance

One of the sadder symptoms of arthritis is that it can cause those who have it to suffer from issues with their balance and their gait. In short, they may begin to shuffle and may be more prone to falls.

As physical therapy improves the strength of the muscles, it can also help to improve balance and even a person’s gait. Ergo, they will find it easier to walk around and will also be less prone to falling, which can lead to serious injuries, especially in older age groups.

Weight Loss

OK, so if you are someone who has arthritis, it is not likely that you are going to be running marathons. However, the opposite side of the coin is that many people opt to simply sit in discomfort, which can cause them to gain weight.

Weight gain, coupled with arthritis, can make soreness and muscle pain worse. Ergo, if you exercise, you will be more likely to have weight loss. This will reduce pressure on your joints, and will also help with improved circulation and mood, all of which will improve arthritis as an issue. So, be sure to talk to your physical therapist about which exercises will be best for you and stick to them!