Manage Your Osteoarthritis with Physical Therapy
We’ll help improve your movement and reduce your pain
Have you recently been diagnosed with osteoarthritis? Are you struggling with persistent pain due to your condition? Regular physical therapy at Smith Physical Therapy in Taft, TX will help you feel your best!
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis, affecting around 25% of adults in the United States. Your risk of developing it increases as you age. In fact, 80% of adults over 65 in the United States have radiographic evidence of the condition, even if they aren’t experiencing symptoms.
Osteoarthritis, like all forms of arthritis, can be extremely painful. It occurs when the cartilage in your joints starts to break down, causing the bones to rub together during movement, leading to pain and further degeneration.
While osteoarthritis has no cure, managing your symptoms with physical therapy is possible. To learn more about how the experts at Smith Physical Therapy can help, request an appointment at our Taft, TX physical therapy clinic today!
Understanding osteoarthritis: risk factors and symptoms
Researchers currently don’t understand what causes osteoarthritis. While the condition can be triggered by an injury, that only accounts for a portion of the population living with osteoarthritis. Some research suggests genetics may play a role for most people with the condition.
Certain factors can increase your risk for osteoarthritis, however. The most significant risk factor is age; as your joint cartilage ages, it becomes more brittle and, thus, more likely to break down. Certain lifestyle factors also increase your risk, such as working jobs that require a lot of bending, squatting, or kneeling, or participating in sports that put excess stress on your joints.
The primary symptoms of osteoarthritis are pain and stiffness in the affected joints. You might notice pain when you put weight on the joint or during physical activity after resting. Stiffness might be worse in the morning or after long periods of rest.
Other common symptoms of osteoarthritis include swelling and cracking or popping sounds when you move the affected joint.
How physical therapy can help you find osteoarthritis relief
The musculoskeletal experts at Smith Physical Therapy want to minimize pain and help you maintain functionality and independence for as long as possible. Here are just a few of the ways that physical therapy can help you manage your symptoms:
Exercise: Regular aerobic and strength training exercises can help improve your movement and build your muscle mass, which often decreases due to osteoarthritis. While the idea of exercising may be intimidating if you’re experiencing pain, we’ll help you develop a program that suits your needs, goals, and fitness levels.
For example, aquatic therapy is a great choice for people with osteoarthritis, as water relieves the pressure from the joints, allowing you to exercise with ease. Strength training can also reduce osteoarthritis pain–we’ll show you how to use proper form and get the most out of your workouts.
Fall prevention: People with osteoarthritis have a high fall risk due to how the condition can limit mobility and reduce muscle strength. We can incorporate specialized balance and gait exercises into your workout routine to help improve your overall stability. We can also discuss various fall prevention strategies, such as modifications to your home.
Manual therapy: If you’re struggling with joint stiffness and limited range of motion, we can gently guide your affected joint through its range of motion to help reduce pain and improve movement.
Pain management: Physical therapy offers several drug-free pain management options, including manual therapy, hot or cold therapy, massage therapy, and splinting, which helps stabilize the joint.
Assistive devices: Some people with osteoarthritis benefit from using assistive devices, such as canes or walkers, to help them get around. We’ll show you how to properly use your assistive device so you can enjoy as much freedom as possible.
What to expect at your physical therapy appointments
When you come in for your initial appointment at Smith Physical Therapy, one of our experts will begin by conducting a thorough physical exam so we can better understand your exact symptoms. We’ll take a complete health history and discuss specific activities you might struggle with.
Once we fully understand your experience with osteoarthritis, we’ll develop a customized treatment plan based on your needs and goals. While treatment plans vary, you can expect yours to include an exercise program to help get you moving. If necessary, we’ll help prepare your body for exercise with manual therapy or other pain management techniques.
Request an appointment at our Taft, TX physical therapy clinic today!
Osteoarthritis may not have a cure, but you can manage your symptoms with regular physical therapy. By improving your overall mobility and reducing your pain, you’ll be able to live a full, happy life.
To get started, request an appointment at Smith Physical Therapy today!
Your Next Steps…
Request An Appointment
Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free!
