If you suffer from arthritis, you’re probably thinking that more movement may only make your sore joints feel worse. However, the right kind of physical therapy can actually help with arthritis symptoms. If you’re looking for physical therapy in Essex, discover Comprehensive Spine and Sports Center.
What Causes Arthritis?
Stiff joints are one of the main symptoms of arthritis, but the condition itself is caused by wear-and-tear on the cartilage between the joints of your body. This can either happen over time or as the result of an injury, in which case, arthritis may set in fairly quickly. The soreness from a lack of cartilage makes it harder to move them, and more painful. This, in turn, worsens the arthritic condition.
How Can Physical Therapy Help My Arthritis?
Physical therapy can help you strengthen the joints that are weaker due to loss of cartilage. When there is less cartilage in between the joints, it usually results in inflammation and soreness. Targeted physical therapy exercises can help reduce stiffness and lessen pain. They can also improve your range of motion in the joints, helping you to move around better and enjoy more exercise, which, in turn, can lessen the symptoms of arthritis.
Arthritis Treatment Plans
While each individual treatment plan varies, there are a few general plans that most arthritis patients find success with. You’ll usually start with an overview of your particular kind of arthritis, followed by information about lifestyle changes that can help reduce symptoms, including incorporating foods into your diet with anti-inflammatory properties and wearing well-fitting shoes that reduce stress on your joints.
Physical therapy techniques for arthritis patients include working the affected joints in the physical therapist’s office to help ease stiffness. You’ll also be given certain exercises to do at home to help keep the joints fluid and increase your range of motion.
Physical Therapy in Essex
At Comprehensive Spine and Sports center offer more than just physical therapy. Many patients find that aquatic-based exercise, such as water therapy or even simply pool walking or swimming, can ease some of the stiffness in their arthritic joints. The water helps reduce the amount of weight and pressure on your joints. Other recommendations include visits to our chiropractor, especially for patients with stiffness in the neck and spine.
When you’re ready to relive the pain of arthritis, discover the best physical therapy in Essex. At the Comprehensive Spine & Sports Center, we are here to help you become more mobile and enjoy your best life. Contact us today!