Learn How to Get Rid of Joint Pain Right Now
Chronic joint pain is commonly associated with arthritis, but other physical ailments can also cause joint deterioration and pain.
While physical therapy cannot cure arthritis, it can help to alleviate pain, increase the range of motion in affected joints, and help you gain control of the problem so that it does not worsen. When it comes to joint pain, if you are not proactive, it will most likely worsen over time.
If you’ve been experiencing joint pain for some time, contact Midwest Physical Therapy to make an appointment with a Bloomer, WI physical therapist.
Are you noticing these symptoms?
For most people with joint pain, general discomfort is the most common complaint. But depending on what the cause of your joint pain is, you may experience a variety of different symptoms, including:
- Chronic pain
- Impaired range of motion
- Stiffness
- Redness
- Swelling
Are my symptoms a sign of arthritis?
Did you know that arthritis is the leading cause of disability in America? The Arthritis Foundation estimates that approximately 50 million people are affected by arthritis. While arthritis can affect any joint, it most commonly affects the neck, back, hands, hips, and knees.
When it comes to joint pain, there are two main types of arthritis to consider: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Here is a more in-depth look at these types of arthritis:
- Osteoarthritis: This is the most common type of arthritis by far. It typically develops later in life and can be caused by poor body mechanics, overuse of the joint or an injury. The cartilage in joints serves as a natural barrier that lubricates and distributes force during physical activity. When that cartilage breaks down and no longer provides a cushion between adjoining bones, the result is osteoarthritis. The hands, hips, knees and spine are the most common body parts impacted by osteoarthritis.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s healing systems attack the joints. This causes inflammation of the joints, which can be extremely painful. Rheumatoid arthritis usually begins in the hands, wrists or feet, but it can spread to the hips, knees or shoulders — getting progressively worse — if you aren’t proactive in combating it. If you have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, your doctor will likely prescribe pharmaceutical treatments to stave off the symptoms. However, physical therapy can be a tremendous help as well.
Certain ailments like gout, bursitis, lupus or tendinitis can also contribute to joint pain. The source of your joint pain may cause the specific course of physical therapy that is recommended for you to vary.
Joint pain and physical therapy
Prepare to discuss your symptoms with your physical therapist during your first visit. Your physical therapist should be aware if your doctor has already diagnosed the condition causing your joint pain. Your therapist will need to know the type of joint pain you are experiencing, the times of day when the pain is the worst, and any regular physical activities you engage in (for example, do you work in a job that requires physical labor or sitting at a desk all day, or are you retired and less active?).
During your first visit, your therapist will most likely administer a battery of simple tests to you. These will assess your range of motion, balance, and posture. This information will be used to develop a personalized physical therapy regimen to relieve joint pain while strengthening muscles to support the joints.
Your physical therapy plan will most likely include a combination of body mechanics work, exercises, and manual therapy. Body mechanics is the study of how to move, sit, stand, lift objects, and perform other daily activities without causing joint pain.
Water aerobics, for example, will most likely be low-impact exercises that relieve joint pressure while strengthening your muscles. Manual therapy is a type of therapeutic massage that your physical therapist is trained in. It can help soften tissues and relieve pain associated with your joint condition.
Ready to find relief? Contact Midwest Physical Therapy today!
Your physical therapist’s goal will be to help you regain control of your life by reducing joint pain. Call our Bloomer, WIÂ office today to make an appointment with a physical therapist.