Island Physical Therapy & Rehab

When cousin ‘Arthur’ knocks Physical Therapy can help!

Long gone are the days when health care providers told people with arthritis to “rest their joints.” In fact, physical activity can reduce pain and improve function, mobility, mood and quality of life for most adults with many types of arthritis including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions.
Exercise is known to have benefits for people with arthritis. However, many people with arthritis do not exercise, often because of joint or muscle pain, weakness, fatigue or joint swelling. This can lead to loss of joint motion, stiffness, muscle weakness and tightness. These problems can worsen fatigue and can cause joints to become unstable.
Categories of Arthritis:
Osteoarthritis — Osteoarthritis (OA) occurs as a result of a gradual loss of cartilage from the joints. OA can affect almost any joint, although it is most commonly seen in the hands, knees, hips and spine. Common symptoms include pain, stiffness, some loss of joint motion and changes in the shape of affected joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) — Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that can affect many tissues throughout the body. The joints are usually most severely affected on both sides.
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) — Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic, inflammatory disease that primarily affects the back, neck and sometimes hips. Pain, stiffness and limited mobility in other joints also occur in some patients.
However, exercise can decrease pain and can enhance quality of life. Exercise is most beneficial if it is done on a regular basis and correctly.
Physical Therapists (PTs) are optimally trained to develop and evaluate the appropriateness of physical activity programs in persons with arthritis. PTs can carefully assess joint motion, muscle strength and endurance, and performance of activities of daily living. Education about energy conservation, modification of daily tasks and joint protection is emphasized. PTs can also develop an individualized therapeutic exercise program that individuals can perform at home.
Objectives of PTs and rehabilitation applications in patients with joint flare ups are to prevent disability, to increase functional capacity, to provide pain relief and to provide patient education.

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