Can Physical Therapy Help Arthritis?

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, arthritis affects more than 54 million U.S. adults. 44% of those individuals state that their daily activities are limited by their arthritis. Arthritis can cause significant joint pain, making regular movements and everyday tasks uncomfortable or difficult to complete. Physical therapy is a common treatment option for many orthopedic conditions, and can be helpful for those suffering from arthritis. 

Goals of Physical Therapy for Arthritis 

When you meet with your physical therapist, you will come up with specific goals for your sessions. There are several areas of improvement that can be achieved with arthritis physical therapy. Examples of potential goals include:

• Reducing Pain - Joint pain relief is one of the most important goals of physical therapy for arthritis. Experienced physical therapists can help you come up with a plan to reduce pain based on the severity of your symptoms and the particular joints that are affected.
• Improving Range of Motion - The pain and stiffness that comes along with arthritis typically limits the range of motion in the affected joints. This can make moving your joints and body more difficult. Targeted exercises can improve flexibility and range of motion.
• Boosting Strength - Exercises that aim to increase strength can also be beneficial for arthritis. Building up your strength can help support your joints.

Types of Physical Therapy For Arthritis  

As with any kind of physical therapy, it’s essential to customize the sessions to your individual needs. There are several types of physical therapy that have been shown to be beneficial for arthritis. Your physical therapist may >recommend>> the use of:

• Aerobic exercise machines
• Weights or strength training machines
• Specialized equipment (i.e. exercise balls, resistance bands, foam rollers)
• Massage
• Electrotherapy

Often, a combination of two or more physical therapy techniques will be used for optimal results. Your physical therapist will make adjustments to your plan over time based on changes in your symptoms and the progress you are making towards your goals.

Exercises For Arthritis 

Your physical therapist may also recommend committing to a regular exercise routine in addition to your arthritis physical therapy sessions. Lifestyle adjustments such as consistent workouts can help you see more improvement in your symptoms. Examples of exercises that are typically suitable for those with arthritis include:

• Low-Impact Exercises - Aerobic fitness is often touted as being beneficial for overall health, and it can also benefit those with arthritis. It’s important to focus on low-impact aerobic fitness options to reduce the impact on the joints. Great options to try are swimming, walking, dancing, and water aerobics.> >
• Yoga - Yoga is another excellent choice for helping manage arthritis. Yoga can help improve flexibility, increase range of motion, and build muscle strength, all of which are important arthritis health goals. Yoga routines can be customized based on your fitness level and desired workout intensity.
• Tai Chi - Maintaining balance is another skill that is important to focus on. This can be achieved through the practice of tai chi, which is known for being a gentle form of exercise. Tai chi also benefits flexibility and strength, and can reduce fall risk.

Get Personalized Support 

Whether you are looking for in-person or virtual physical therapy for arthritis, the key is finding an experienced provider who can offer personalized support. The experts at MMI can help determine the source of your pain and create an individualized treatment plan based on your unique goals. Get in touch today to find out more.