3 Ways Physical Therapy Relieves Intense Joint Pain
With PT, You Don’t Have to Deal With Painful, Achy Joint Pain Any Longer
Have you been living with joint pain? If so, you are not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 20% of the United States population has chronic joint pain.
Our physical therapists work with individuals like yourself every day to help subside the physical and mental effects of chronic pain caused by conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia.
So, if you are searching for a future that isn’t redacted or limited by chronic pain, consider working with one of our physical therapists.
Is your joint pain a sign of arthritis?
Did you know that arthritis is a leading cause of disability across the United States? In fact, the Arthritis Foundation estimates that 50 million individuals worldwide live with arthritis. While arthritis can affect any joint, it is most typically found in the neck, back, hands, hips, and knees.
Joint pain is typically caused by either osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, the two most common forms of arthritis. Here is a closer look at these conditions:
- Osteoarthritis: This is the most common type of arthritis by far. Poor body mechanics, overuse of the joint, or an accident/injury can all contribute to the development of osteoarthritis. During physical activity or general movement, the cartilage in joints safely lubricates and distributes force throughout the body. Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage breaks down and leaves adjoining bones without adequate support. The hands, hips, knees, and spine are the areas of the body most affected by osteoarthritis.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): This is an autoimmune disease where the body’s defense mechanisms attack the joints. This results in joint inflammation, which can be extremely painful. Rheumatoid arthritis normally starts in the hands, wrists, or feet, and without preventative health measures, can move to the hips, knees, or shoulders, and worsen with time.
If you have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, your doctor will likely prescribe pharmaceutical treatments to help you manage your symptoms. However, if you have RA, you should know that physical therapy can be a tremendous help as well.
Joint pain can also be caused by conditions such as gout, bursitis, lupus, or tendinitis. The treatment provided to you in physical therapy will depend on the underlying source of your joint discomfort.
Learn about the advantages of physical therapy
You do not deserve to spend every day in pain, and with physical therapy, you may not have to! Here are three reasons why you should consider working with a physical therapist today:
1. Finding independence
When you work with a physical therapist, you gain a partner in your healing and health. As you learn exercises, mindfulness techniques, lifestyle modifications, breathing techniques, and safer ways to function in your daily life alongside your physical therapist, you are actively optimizing your overall health under the careful guidance of a trained professional.
With less pain, greater strength, and improved function, you will be ready to usher in a more independent life.
2. Discover a long-lasting method of pain-relief
Alongside alleviating your joint pain and stiffness, a physical therapist also uses a variety of personalized techniques and services that are designed to target the root causes of your joint issues.
Physical therapy can help you avoid or minimize daily pain, slow disease progression, and even prevent your joint problem from getting worse in the long run.
Examples of PT treatments include:
- Therapeutic exercises and stretches to promote tissue healing, correct strength or mobility imbalances, and improve overall joint function and stability
- Manual techniques like joint mobilizations and massage to improve joint alignment, reduce swelling and stiffness, and break up painful adhesions
- Neuromuscular education techniques to improve your balance and reduce the risk of falls, which may otherwise worsen your pain
- Prescription and fitting of custom orthoses, braces, and other devices to support, compensate for, and/or alleviate pressure on your affected joints
3. Natural and safe pain management
Did you know that physical therapy is officially recognized by the CDC and other professional organizations as a safe alternative to prescription pain medications like opioids?
Research studies have proven that physical therapy can effectively alleviate chronic joint pain. With your doctor’s approval, PT may help you reduce or even eliminate the need for the medication you currently take.
Physical therapists have non-invasive tools at their disposal that relieve spasms and block pain signals naturally, including electrical stimulation, diathermy, and ultrasound therapy.
These immediate pain-targeting treatments are valuable because they help you better participate in rehabilitation exercises and sleep well, two factors that are extremely important for overall health and stress relief.
You can find relief for your achy joints today!
If you are interested in taking proactive steps to combat your chronic pain, contact our physical therapy clinic today to schedule an appointment. A more comfortable life is just around the corner.
