PT FOR ARTHRITIS
Physical therapy is a great intervention for most types of chronic arthritis. It consists of stretching, strengthening, and stability exercises combined with therapeutic modalities like ice, heat, ultrasound, massage, etc.
Physical therapy is not the same as exercise. With exercise, you participate in a sporty activity which focuses on movement. Physical therapy seeks to ensure that your movements will be as safe as possible.
Your physical therapist is an expert at evaluating your body’s strength, flexibility, balance, and stability. Based on your assessment, your pPT has been trained to prescribe exercises to correct deficiencies, imbalances, and weakness. Your physical therapist typically has a college degree and 2 to 3 years of extra courses in physical therapy. HE/she will either have a doctorate or masters degree in physical therapy.
Physical therapy for arthritis has been shown to increase function and decrease pain over the long-term. There is
suggestion that PT may even slow down certain types of arthritis because of improved joint support. Physical therapy
helps for arthritis by:
- Improving balance to prevent falls and other injuries
- Improving flexibility to prevent stiffness
- Improving muscle strength to protect and support the joints
- Improve core stability to make movement more efficient and less stressful
Physical therapy will not cure arthritis. Also, PT is difficult when someone is already having a lot of pain. A visit to a physical therapist is not like a spa treatment where everything is done for you. PT only works when you invest the time and effort to do your exercises consistently over time. Therefore, a PT program takes time, usually months, to have a lasting benefit. PT also requires lifelong home exercises to maintain strength, flexibility, stability, and balance.
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