Arthritis Treatment

Physical Therapy for Arthritis

Serving Portland OR | Vancouver WA

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to treat, and the chronic pain and stiffness it causes can be overwhelming. While some medications can give partial relief, more and more doctors are recommending physical therapy for arthritis, as an alternative to medication.

Types of Arthritis

Arthritis treatment can vary, depending on the cause and type of your arthritis pain. There are over 100 types of arthritis, each with their own differences and treatment recommendations. Here are some common types:

• Osteoarthritis: the protective cartilage within a specific joint or a number of joints breaks down, causing pain.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: the body’s immune system begins to attack joints and organs.
• Gout: a localized form of arthritis involving high levels of uric acid. This forms crystals within a specific joint, causing pain and discomfort.
• Psoriatic arthritis: 30% of people with psoriasis will also develop inflammatory arthritis. This type is autoimmune, and the body’s immune system attacks both the skin and the joints.

What Causes Arthritis?

Because there are so many different kinds of arthritis, the causes can vary. While some common arthritic conditions can be clearly linked to hereditary or genetic disorders, and some are linked with the immune system, some types of arthritis have completely unknown causes. Being formally diagnosed with a specific type of arthritis can help determine arthritis treatment.

Physical Therapy for Arthritis Treatment

Arthritis makes joints stiff and painful, and this can inhibit movement. Who would want to move, while you’re in pain? But research suggests that movement can help joint pain, alleviating pain and strengthening the joint itself. A physiotherapist knows how to stretch, strengthen, and mobilize your joints without making the arthritis worse, and there are exercises that can significantly reduce your daily pain level. When the muscles surrounding the joint are strengthened, the joint can move that much more comfortably. Manual therapy (also known as manipulative therapy) has also been known to reduce pain, improve circulation and mobility, and promote proper movement.

If you’re concerned about your arthritic pain, or you want to explore physical therapy for arthritis, give New Heights Physical Therapy a call. We’re here for you!