Arthritis is a condition that causes pain in the joints and the tissues surrounding the joints. Arthritis can make everyday activities painful and arduous. Suddenly, things like cooking and cleaning would become difficult and seem almost impossible to bring about. Fortunately, physical therapy can help with arthritis by improving the strength and flexibility of your joints. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy in conjunction with other types of treatment, such as medications or injections.
Let’s talk about some standard physical therapies that can help you relieve arthritis and where you can go for world-class orthopedic care and successful treatment.
Better Posture and Body Mechanics
The sitting and standing posture can define our bodies’ functions and have an impact on arthritis. Your physical therapist will assess your posture and make sure you aren’t putting unnecessary strain on your joints. They’ll also check your body mechanics, i.e., the way you move and do activities, and accordingly will recommend some exercises to help improve your posture.
For instance, sitting up straighter with the neck and shoulders pulled back can help relieve pressure off the spine, causing less pain from arthritis. Moving in a way that promotes proper body alignment may help too.
Use of Assistive Devices
Your physical therapist may recommend a walker or cane for assistance in case arthritis is affecting your mobility. Using an assistive device will help keep pressure off your joints and relieve the pain from arthritis. They will show you the proper way to walk with an assistive device to perform your daily activities like you used to.
Your physical therapist may also recommend supportive devices for the joints, such as a brace or splint, which can help keep your joints stable.
Hot and Cold Treatment
If you are having acute joint swelling or pain from arthritis, your physical therapist may recommend a cold application. This will help temporarily numb the pain and reduce the swelling in your joints. If you’re trying to bring more blood flow and circulation to a joint, a heat application may also help. Heat can also be used to warm up the joints before starting exercises.
Your physical therapist may recommend doing hot or cold treatment on your own at home during certain times.
Physical Therapy in Watertown, NY
The physical therapists at North Country Orthopaedic Group are experienced professionals with expertise arthritis. We can recommend different exercises and therapies to help you improve your joint strength and flexibility – so you often don’t need to go anywhere else for further assessments, scans, and treatment.
If you’re looking for physical therapy to relieve your arthritis, look no further than the team at North Country Orthopaedic Group. We can design a care and treatment plan for you to start living a pain-free life.
To know more about our physical therapy services, contact us today at 315-782-1650 or fill out our online appointment request form.
We’re happy to answer any questions you may have. We look forward to serving you!.
