Arthritis is a common condition that can be extremely painful. Arthritic pains usually involve a sensation of tenderness and a dull ache. This condition typically affects people over 60 years old. However, younger people can also have arthritis as a result of injuries or other conditions. There is no known cure for arthritis, but there are plenty of techniques to help manage its symptoms. Physical therapy can provide a range of treatments to help improve a patient’s arthritis.
Types of arthritis
There are two main types of arthritis that typically lead to arthritic pain. Symptoms like swelling, inflammation and tenderness are common with both kinds of arthritis. However, there are important differences in the causes of each arthritis type.
- Osteoarthritis — Osteoarthritis involves the cartilage between joints breaking down. When this happens, the bones can begin to rub against each other and cause pain. The bone scraping can cause a grating sensation. Over time, this can lead to fragments chipping off of the bones and lodging in tissue. Osteoarthritis can also lead to the formation of bone spurs, which are spiky projections that build along the side of a bone. These often form where the bone has been damaged in the past.
- Rheumatoid arthritis — Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. Pain from rheumatoid arthritis is mostly felt along the joints. In addition to tenderness and swelling, rheumatoid arthritis often has symptoms of fever and fatigue. The lining around the joints gradually becomes inflamed in people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.
Pain relief methods for arthritis
- Medication — Over-the-counter medication is one option for arthritis pain relief. Medication can help alleviate severe pain in a fast manner. However, medication does not help in the long term. For more lasting arthritis pain relief, other methods may be more effective.
- Dry needling — Dry needling is a treatment method designed for immediate impact. The process involves sterile acupuncture needles being inserted into target areas of the body. This can stimulate the body’s natural healing response. Dry needling is a medical technique based on rigorous scientific study. It can be performed by a physical therapist to quickly reduce pain and muscle tension. This can also improve mobility by extension. Inflammation is a significant symptom of arthritis. By addressing the inflammation, you can make your arthritis easier to manage.
- Weight loss — Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the strain on your joints. Reduced strain can lead to pain relief for your arthritis. This is mainly applicable to osteoarthritis, where additional weight can push bones to grind against each other. However, losing even a small amount of weight can make a difference in arthritis symptoms.
- Manual therapy — Manual therapy involves hands-on physical therapy techniques. These specifically target soft tissue and joints. Soft tissue mobilization is one manual therapy technique that can be very effective in addressing arthritis pain. The procedure often consists of deep pressure and rhythmic stretching. By improving the condition of the surrounding muscle tissue, manual therapy can improve joint health. This can help in managing arthritis.
- Hot and cold therapy — Hot and cold therapy is a technique that can be used from the convenience of your home. This approach uses temperature manipulation to relax the tissue. Swelling and soreness can be reduced this way, providing pain relief for arthritis. Though this therapy may not provide lasting relief, it can be helpful in between physical therapy clinic visits.
- Therapeutic exercises — A physical therapy mainstay is targeted exercise. Working with physical therapy specialists, you can decide on a program of strengthening exercises and stretches that works for you. Building strength and flexibility can help improve your arthritis. For convenient access to this kind of physical therapy, virtual PT services are available.
- Electrical stimulation — Electrical stimulation is a safe and efficient modality designed for versatile applications. This approach uses low electrical currents to stimulate certain nerves in a variety of ways. One method is called transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). This approach uses electrodes to trick the brain into feeling no pain. It can also reduce inflammation and muscle spasms caused by arthritis. For arthritis pain relief, electrical stimulation can be an excellent option.
Peak Performance Sports and Physical Therapy can help address your arthritis
Arthritis can be a difficult condition to grapple with. At Peak Performance Sports and Physical Therapy, our team will strive to help you manage this condition effectively. We understand that our patients are goal-motivated. Arthritis hurts, and you probably want to address it with productive treatments. Our expert physical therapy specialists can work with you to find effective pain relief for your arthritis.
Contact us today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment for arthritis treatment.
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