Looking for Relief from Arthritis Pain?
Grasmere Physical Therapy Can Help!
Do you suffer from joint pain when you rise after sitting in a chair, or find it hard getting out of bed in the morning due to stiffness in your joints? You are not alone; you may have arthritis but the good news is physical therapy can help alleviate your pain or discomfort and keep you active.
For some, living with their arthritis pain can be intolerable… while others feel a bit better as the day progresses and they move more. Both can benefit from appropriate care, and most people can expect relief!
Despite arthritis being a common issue, many people avoid seeking care because they think nothing can be done to help them with their joint pain. In the past, we believed that physical activity would make arthritis worse, but it is now clear, with new research and otherwise, that being physically active is necessary for joint health and may slow progression of arthritis for most of us.
What are the Most Common Types of Arthritis?
Arthritis is any chronic condition where joints are compromised, such as pain and inflammation, and often degeneration of the affected joint or joints. The Arthritis Foundation recognizes over one hundred types of arthritis. However, the most common types of arthritis, by far are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can impact single or multiple joints at the same time.
Osteoarthritis
The most common kind of arthritis is osteoarthritis. Its primary symptom is the loss of articular cartilage, causing inflammation, structural changes in the bones and joints, bone spur formation, and joint disability. Osteoarthritis is also known as the “wear and tear” form of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis typically develops with age and increases with other factors like having joint injuries, or using the joint repeatedly over time. When the joint starts to wear away due to age, it does not effectively protect the joint from pressure and/or stress. Without effective cartilage, painful bone-on-bone contact and/or inflammation occurs.
Pain and stiffness in the joints (most often in the morning), Muscle Weakness, Joint Instability, Sounds (crepitus) popping or grinding, less capacity to be active.
While aging is a major risk factor, obesity is a significant risk factor as well. Extra body weight on joints like knees and hips increases the stress on cartilage, and lead to breakdown.
There is mounting evidence that there are various risk factors for osteoarthritis, including:
- Obesity
- Genetic predispositions
- Sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., female gender, African-American race),
- Specific bone/joint shapes
There are also physical risk factors linked to increased osteoarthritis, such as:
- Joint pain
- Participation in specific occupational activities (for example, repetitive movements such as bending or prolonged positions such as sitting/driving)
- Sports participation (i.e., contact sports)
- Knee osteoarthritis and thigh flexor muscle weakness
- Misalignment of the joints
Physical therapy effectively interrupts the cycle of joint degeneration through improved range of motion, muscle strengthening around affected joints, and improved balance and coordination. Physical therapy allows pain and inflammation to be managed as well as remain active and maintain joint health.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis is a more cited form of arthritis than other forms of arthritis and is the result of an autoimmune response. In the autoimmune response to rheumatoid arthritis, the body recognizes the joints as threats, similar to bacteria or viruses, and attacks the body’s own healthy tissues. This leads to joint inflammation, pain, and swelling.
Rheumatoid arthritis can produce stiffness, swelling, and pain in the joints. If rheumatoid arthritis is not treated, it may cause irreversible damage and deformity to the joints.
While research is at its early stages, many health care professionals currently believe that a variety of hormonal, genetic, smoking, environmental, and other factors play a role in its development. Rheumatoid arthritis is more prevalent in women than in men, and the pain may limit their physical activity or ability to work day to day.
Seeking Natural Pain Relief? Consider Physical Therapy in Staten Island, NY!
Physical therapy is one of the best natural ways to help manage and treat arthritis pain. If you think you may be suffering with arthritis, don’t wait- call Grasmere Physical Therapy today and make an appointment. The sooner you treat your symptoms; the sooner we can help alleviate your pain and improve your quality of life.
For many individuals with arthritis, pain does not just come from damaged cartilage. Inflammation and weakness or improper activation of the muscles surrounding the involved joint can exacerbate the pain, and may sometimes be the primary source. The team here will assess all of the factors involved in your pain, and help treat the source of your pain instead of just alleviating the symptoms.
We will assist in alleviating your pain and give you practical support for recovering function in order to carry on with an active and independent lifestyle.
A full evaluation will be made by one of our licensed physical therapists in Staten Island, NY to specifically evaluate your needs, and a plan including specific exercises and strategies will be developed. Our individualized arthritis treatment programs will help you recover faster, and our exercises and strategies will produce long-lasting benefits related to your function.
As part of your program, you will be supervised while performing exercises to restore your function, while concentrating on improving range of motion, strength, balance and coordination. As part of your program, we will also take the time to inform you on how to prevent another episode of pain in your joints and to self-manage the exercises safely and effectively at home to help maintain your symptom relief long term.
Contact Our Staten Island, NY Physical Therapy Clinic for Help with Your Painful Joints!
Don’t let arthritis pain rule your life. Call Grasmere Physical Therapy today to learn how we can help you decrease your pain and increase your mobility. Our team is focused on providing the most current evidence-based, high-quality care while treating you with respect, compassion and empathy.
Your Next Steps…
Request An Appointment
Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free!