The two most common arthritic disorders treated by physical therapy are osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative condition of the cartilage in your joints, typically in the weight bearing joints such as knees and hips. OA degeneration can be caused by age, can be heredity, or it can develop following an injury. It usually presents itself with pain and stiffness in the affected joint.
If detected and treated soon enough, much pain and stiffness can be decreased with physical therapy. Treatments may include strengthening muscles around the affected joint, range of motion exercises, and education on a home exercise program consisting of gentle but consistent motion.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by a systemic inflammation of the connective tissue around your joints. It is an autoimmune disease and can typically cause more damage to the joint than OA. Strengthening and pain relieving exercises are typically performed to manage RA flare-ups which are quite common with this condition.
Call or come by Jerome/Wendell Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Clinics to meet with one of our Doctors of Physical Therapy today and they can help find the cause of your pain and help manage it. Walk-ins are accepted and no referral is needed to receive an evaluation or treatment.
