Arthritis is a painful condition that can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks or participate in pleasurable activities. Although there is no cure for arthritis, there are things you can do to reduce your pain and improve your functioning. Physical therapy, in particular, can be used to treat arthritis, improving mobility, increasing strength, and maximizing quality of life.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis refers to swelling, pain, and stiffness in the joints. There are dozens of different types of arthritis, but the most common include:

• Osteoarthritis - wear and tear causes cartilage to thin and bones to rub together
  Rheumatoid arthritis - immune system attacks healthy joint tissue

Arthritis can affect the ankles, hips, hands, fingers, neck, knees, wrists, or any joint in the body. The pain associated with arthritis can be sudden, sharp, dull, intermittent, or chronic.

Arthritis treatment

There is no cure for arthritis, but there are several different options for treating the symptoms, depending on the type of arthritis and the severity of the condition. Medications, acupuncture and massage, and surgery are often used to help manage pain, reduce inflammation and swelling, and maximize range of motion. Certain lifestyle changes can also make a big difference. These include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight

• Regular exercise (low-impact)

• Healthy diet

• Meditation and relaxation techniques to manage stress

Although certain healthy lifestyle choices may feel impossible when you suffer from joint pain and stiffness, physical therapy can have a significant impact on your ability to manage your pain and maintain your fitness levels.

Arthritis physical therapy exercises

A physical therapy treatment plan is customized to the individual patient, and the exercises are designed to treat their specific symptoms. In general, whether your physical therapist gives you hip arthritis exercises or knee arthritis exercises, the goal is to improve mobility, increase strength and range of motion, and maintain fitness levels. Here’s how:

Range of motion exercises for arthritis

Simple exercises can improve mobility and flexibility in your joints. Knee arthritis exercises for range of motion may include sitting in a chair and straightening and bending one leg at a time. Shoulder range of motion exercise may include lifting and raising your arms. You’ll typically be instructed to move as far as you can until you feel a light stretch. Your physical therapist will help teach you the proper mechanics and postures.

Strength exercises for arthritis

Evidence shows that building strength in the muscles that help stabilize and support the affected joints can help to prevent or slow the process of arthritis. It’s important to perform the exercises slowly and only make gradual increases in order to keep the body in alignment and maintain healthy postures. Examples of knee arthritis exercises for strength include squats, leg presses, and leg curls. Your physical therapist will give you any necessary modifications to ensure that you stay safe.

Functional movement exercises

Physical therapists are skilled and trained in helping patients to manage pain and maximize functioning, and they do this in a number of ways. While strength and flexibility are important in managing symptoms of arthritis, a physical therapist can also train patients in the use of equipment such as canes, crutches, wheelchairs and walkers. Physical therapists are equipped with the training and knowledge to help all patients maximize their mobility and maintain healthy fitness levels.

Physical therapy can be used in combination with any other arthritis treatment for maximum benefits and maximum quality of life.

Physical therapy for arthritis at Bella Vista Health Center in San Diego, CA

At Bella Vista Health Center, our physical therapists are highly trained and experienced in the treatment of arthritis. If you or someone you love is in need of physical therapy for arthritis, give us a call at (619) 644-1000 to schedule a visit to our 5-Star skilled nursing facility in Lemon Grove. We’d love to show you around and introduce you to our dedicated team of physical therapists and other skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals.