Arthritis affects millions of people worldwide and causes joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. While a cure hasn’t been found yet, physical therapy can play a vital role in managing symptoms, improving function, and enhancing your quality of life. 

Understanding Arthritis and Its Impact

Arthritis symptoms vary based on the person, but it almost always causes inflammation, swelling, and tenderness in the joints, and leads to pain, stiffness, and redness as well as limits range of motion. Your chances of developing arthritis depend on your weight, past injruies, age, and family history. Although, arthritis is more common in women than men.

Over time, arthritis can interfere with daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, or even gripping objects, impact emotional well-being, and even cause fatigue.  There are many types of arthritis, but the four most common ones are:

Osteoarthritis (OA) — Overuse or wear and tear overtime can cause the degeneration of cartilage in the joints. OA is usually found in the fingers, knees, and hips and causes joint pain, stiffness, and occasionally bony lumps around the joints. 

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) — This autoimmune disease causes the body’s immune system to attack the joints, causing inflammation and damage.  It oftens affects the hands, wrists, knees, and feet and causes pain, swelling, and fatigue. 

Psoriatic Arthritis — This type is associated with psoriasis, but it can occur in people without the skin condition. It usually affects the fingers, toes, and back and can cause joint pain, swelling, and skin changes, like scaly, red patches. 

Gout — This inflammatory condition is caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints and blood. You can experience sudden severe joint pain, redness and swelling, and limited range of motion. Gout usually manifests in recurring attacks, often at night. 

Managing arthritis effectively often requires a multifaceted approach, and physical therapy is a key component.

Benefits of Physical Therapy for Arthritis

Pain Management

A trained physical therapist can use a variety of techniques — such as manual therapy, ultrasound, or ice/heat application — to reduce inflammation, encourage blood flow, and prevent fluid accumulation in the affected joints, which can help reduce pain. 

Improved Joint Mobility and Flexibility

Arthritis can cause stiff joints and muscle atrophy, restricting joint flexibility and making movement difficult. Physical therapists guide patients through stretches and mobility exercises to maintain or increase range of motion.

Strengthening Muscles Around Joints

Stronger muscles support and protect joints. Targeted strengthening exercises help remove pressure from the affected joints and build muscle strength, reducing discomfort and the risk of further injury.

Better Balance and Coordination

Arthritis can affect proprioception (your body’s awareness of its position and movement), causing balance issues and increasing the risk of falls. Therapy programs often include exercises to improve body awareness and coordination.

Personalized Plans

Physical therapists assess each individual’s condition and tailor programs that fit their specific needs and limitations — making it safe and sustainable. They can also educate you on healthy lifestyle choices, exercises, and diet changes you can incorporate into your daily life to help support joint health and manage symptoms. 

Posture and Body Mechanics Training

Proper posture and movement techniques can reduce stress on joints. Physical therapists can address muscle imbalances and teach you proper body mechanics and how to perform daily activities with less strain.

They may also be able to help you learn how to properly use assistive devices, such as canes or walkers, if you need them to support your joints and muscles.

What to Expect in Physical Therapy

A typical physical therapy session for arthritis may include:

• Assessment of joint function and pain levels
• Guided exercises for strength, mobility, and balance
• Education on joint protection and activity modification
• Home exercise program to continue progress between sessions
• Tips on how to improve your diet 

Wasatach Peak, in particular, may offer aquatic therapy, which allows you to exercise without putting pressure on your joints, and occupational therapy to help you relearn the skills you need to go about your day-to-day life.

Long-Term Advantages

Engaging in regular physical therapy not only helps manage arthritis symptoms but can also delay the progression of joint damage, reduce dependence on medications, enhance independence in daily living, and provide long-term strategies for joint health. 

Physical Therapy Can Give You Your Life Back

Living with arthritis doesn’t have to mean living with constant pain or limitations. Physical therapy can safely, effectively, and proactively manage arthritis symptoms and improve overall function. If you’re dealing with joint stiffness and pain, consider speaking with your healthcare provider about adding physical therapy to your treatment plan.