Arthritis is one of the most common causes of joint pain and stiffness in American adults. As it grows worse, it makes it harder for you to enjoy your favorite activities or to simply walk around. 

Arthritis has no cure, but there are treatments that can help manage the pain, improve your range of motion and slow the progression of the disease.

Treatments vary depending on the severity of your arthritis and other factors like age, weight and medical history. However, one treatment that benefits many people with arthritis is physical therapy. 

Three ways physical therapy helps reduce arthritis pain

1. Physical therapy improves your strength — As arthritis pain grows worse, you may find yourself wanting to move around less frequently. This can lead to weakness and tightness in your muscles, which is a problem because weak and tight muscles increase strain on your joints, causing the arthritis pain to feel worse.

   Your physical therapist can guide you through gentle exercises and stretches to help improve your strength and flexibility to reduce strain off your joints.

2. Physical therapy improves your range of motion — Arthritis limits your ability to fully bend or straighten your joints, which can keep you from enjoying a wide range of activities. Your physical therapist can guide you through stretches and hands-on mobilization techniques that help improve your range of motion.
3. Physical therapy improves your posture — Standing, sitting or sleeping with poor posture can increase strain on your joints, which makes your arthritis pain feel worse. Your physical therapist can examine your posture and identify ways you can make improvements to reduce pain from your arthritis.

Visit Continuum Wellness for help treating your arthritis pain

Is arthritis pain and stiffness keeping you from enjoying your favorite daily activities? Our physical therapists at Continuum Wellness are here to help. We can examine your condition to identify how arthritis is affecting you. Then we can provide a personalized treatment routine to help you manage your pain and improve your quality of life. Contact our team today for more information about arthritis treatment or to schedule an initial appointment.