Arthritis

How Physical Therapy Can Help Arthritis

Whatever your condition - whether it's Osteoarthritis, Rhuematitis or a related condition - there are physical therapists with expertise in treating it. Some physical therapists specialize in the rheumatic diseases, while others treat a range of age-related conditions including osteoarthritis. Still other physical therapists specialize in juvenile arthritis. Your physical therapist will often work as part of a multidisciplinary health care team (which may include family physicians, internists, rheumatologists, orthopedic surgeons, psychologists, dieticians, and other professionals).

The goals of physical therapy in treating arthritis are to reduce pain, to help restore mobility, function, strength, and flexibility, and to prevent unnecessary disability. Physical therapy can also help you learn self-management skills - how to cope with arthritis in your day-to-day life. In addition to giving you a practical strategy for living with arthritis, self-management also yields a sense of confidence, empowerment, and hope.

In consultation with your physician, a licensed physical therapist can tailor a program of therapy and exercise just for you. Here's how it works:

Evaluation. Your physical therapist will begin by taking a detailed medical history. He or she will observe your general body mechanics, and may ask you to perform a series of simple tests to assess your condition and capabilities.

Problems with range of motion, flexibility, strength, posture, endurance, respiratory function, and body mechanics may be discovered during these tests.

Treatment. Your treatment will depend to a large extent on the precise nature of the condition - whether you have OA or RA or something else. Even so, there are certain common denominators in the treatment of arthritis, such as special exercises for strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Other treatments (or modalities) that may be used by your physical therapist include heat, cold, massage, and hydrotherapy. If necessary, your physical therapist may fit you with othotics, splints, or other devices to allow you to rest inflamed joints. Some of these modalities, such as the application of heat and cold, can be performed at home as long as you have guidance from your physical therapist.

Exercise. Physical therapists emphasize that exercise for strength, flexibility, and range of motion is the cornerstone of successful arthritis management. While physical therapy clinics are often equipped with special exercise equipment, many of the exercises recommended by physical therapists in the treatment of arthritis are easily performed at home with no special equipment.