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Arthritis Pain Shouldn’t Control Your Life. With Physical Therapy, It Doesn’t Have To!

Are your joints are painful, achy, or weak? You could be living with arthritis, and you’re not alone if this is the case. In reality, people are diagnosed with more than 100 different forms of arthritis.

The elderly are the most likely group to be diagnosed with arthritis; nevertheless, arthritic symptoms can occur in young people as well!

Male athletes who participate in professional sports are more likely than the general population to acquire arthritis over their lifetime, according to a study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine. According to the study’s findings, 30 percent of male athletes who participate in contact sports will develop arthritis in their knees and/or hips as a result of overuse and excessive “wear and tear.”

If you have been diagnosed with arthritis, or if you think you’re experiencing arthritic symptoms, call Dubuque Physical Therapy today to set up a consultation. We’ll design the best treatment plan for your needs and have you feeling better in no time!

How physical therapy can treat arthritis pain

A common treatment for arthritis is medication, usually for pain manageability. Your physician may prescribe NSAID pain relievers, corticosteroids, antirheumatic drugs, or antibiotics for your arthritis treatment. Medication is easy – you pop it in your mouth, chase it with water, and your pain subsides shortly afterward.

However, they can also cause some unfavorable side effects, and in some cases they can be habit-forming. With NSAIDs, you run the risk of blood clots, heart attack, or stroke. With corticosteroids, you run the risk of cataracts, high blood sugar levels, and bone loss. Luckily, there is a much safer and healthier alternative to treating arthritis: physical therapy.

If you believe you may be experiencing arthritic pain, and you’re looking for relief without the harmful risk of drugs, call our office today. We’ll set you up with a physical therapist who can help you kick the meds and reduce your arthritis symptoms!

Three common types of arthritis

  • Metabolic Arthritis. The most common type of metabolic arthritis is gout, a condition caused by uric acid crystals building up in the joints of the extremities, especially in the feet. This is typically a result of reduced kidney function. Physical therapy can help gout patients restore range of motion in the affected area, and it can even reduce the buildup of acidic crystals that accumulate in the joints.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis. Also referred to as inflammatory arthritis, this is the second most common type of arthritis. It occurs when the body’s immune system attacks joint tissues with intense inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis often has a genetic cause, and doctors usually treat it aggressively with drugs. However, depending on the severity of symptoms, physical therapy may be recommended for treatment as well.
  • Osteoarthritis. The most prevalent type of arthritis is osteoarthritis. It is caused by a loss of joint cartilage as a result of “wear and tear” as one gets older. The wearing away of cartilage causes bones to rub against one other, causing pain and edema. Physical therapy, especially if the osteoarthritis is mild-to-moderate, can often assist to relieve pain without the use of medication.

The good news is that all of these kinds of arthritis can be helped by physical therapy treatment. There are 3 main goals of physical therapy treatments for arthritis are to relieve your pain by decreasing the stress on your joints, increase your strength, and improve your functional movements and range of motion.

What will a treatment plan look like?

Your treatment plan will be designed specifically for you, depending on the type of arthritis you are living with and the severity of your symptoms. This is done through targeted and proven methods, including:

  • Exercise and stretching. Light exercises and stretching will help to increase range of motion in the affected areas.
  • Weight control. Your physical therapist will work with you to control your weight through exercise and diet. Controlling your weight helps to prevent added stress on weight-bearing joints.
  • Getting enough rest. Your therapist will also recommend a schedule for rest and sleep to complement your exercises. This helps the body to heal and will hopefully reduce your amount of arthritic inflammation and pain.
  • Posture improvement. Posture work will help to reduce stress on your joints.

What are you waiting for?

There is no reason for you to live in constant pain and discomfort. If you are looking to find relief for your arthritic pains without the risk of potentially harmful pain-management drugs, contact us today! Dubuque Physical Therapy would be happy to help you find the relief you need, the natural way.

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Combat Inflammation From Arthritis Through Physical Therapy Treatment

Are you living with arthritis? If so, you know how much it can control your routine. Arthritis can be extremely limiting to a person’s life, and unfortunately, it is a disorder of the joints that millions of people live with.

While arthritis is debilitating, there is light at the end of the tunnel: it can certainly be managed! If you believe you may be living with arthritic symptoms, call Dubuque Physical Therapy at our physical therapy office as soon as possible.

You deserve to enjoy your life without worrying about arthritic joints. We’ll help you manage your pain and get back to leading a full, happy life! In the meantime, keep reading to learn more about the benefits of physical therapy for arthritis.

Types of arthritis

The two most commonly reported types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis develops from “wear and tear” of cartilage, while rheumatoid arthritis develops from an overactive immune system.

Arthritis results in joint inflammation that can cause aches, pains, stiffness, and limited mobility. While there are over 100 types of arthritis, they are typically split into two categories: monoarthritis, meaning only one joint is affected, and oligoarthritis, meaning multiple joints are affected.

So, what should I do if I think I have arthritic symptoms?

If you believe you may be suffering from arthritis, the first thing you should do is contact your primary care provider. He or she will provide a thorough evaluation, looking for signs of disease, such as inflammation and/or deformity.

They’ll go through your symptoms and may order blood tests, urine tests, joint fluid testing, or x-rays if they think they’re necessary. If these tests reveal that you have arthritis, your doctor will devise a treatment plan for you based on the location and severity of the problem. Rest, exercise routines, and medications, as needed, may be part of this therapy approach.

You will very certainly be referred to a physical therapist to assist you in executing your exercise routines, as well as to track your progress and ensure that you are doing it safely and correctly. Physical therapy has been shown to help relieve arthritis pain without the use of pharmaceuticals.

It is very likely that you will also be referred to a physical therapist to help guide you through your exercise routines, in order to measure progress and make sure that you are completing your physical activity in a safe and correct manner. Physical therapy is a proven aid in arthritic pain relief, without the use of harmful pain-management drugs.

Early diagnosis can be helpful in avoiding joint damage and disability, so it is imperative that you contact a doctor as soon as you think you may be developing arthritic symptoms.

The importance of physical activity for people with arthritis

Staying physically active when you have arthritis is the key to keeping your joints in good, functioning condition. This claim is backed up by research at the Arthritis Center at Johns Hopkins:

“Physical activity is essential to optimizing both physical and mental health and can play a vital role in the management of arthritis. Regular physical activity can keep the muscles around affected joints strong, decrease bone loss and may help control joint swelling and pain. Regular activity replenishes lubrication to the cartilage of the joint and reduces stiffness and pain. Exercise also helps to enhance energy and stamina by decreasing fatigue and improving sleep. Exercise can enhance weight loss and promote long-term weight management in those with arthritis who are overweight.”

While it can feel easy to lie around or choose to soak your aching joints in a warm bath, getting up and moving is still the best way to combat arthritis pain. You’ll find that your therapist at Dubuque Physical Therapy agrees as well!

Physical therapy for long-lasting relief

While there is not yet a known cure for arthritis, physical therapy is a proven and effective way to relieve pain and ease inflammation. In fact, each patient is provided with their very own individualized treatment plan, based on the nature of their arthritic condition and their corresponding needs. Treatment plans help improve strength, mobility, and range of motion while also alleviating pain.

Your physical therapist will provide you with targeted stretches and exercises for arthritic relief, in addition to any other methods he or she may deem fit. This may include manual therapy, soft tissue mobilization, ice and heat therapies, deep tissue massage, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation. Any additional modality will be added under the discretion of your physical therapist, if needed for additional pain relief or mobility improvement.

Are you ready to relieve your arthritic aches and pains?

Call Dubuque Physical Therapy today if you want to learn more about how arthritis pain can be managed through physical therapy.  We’ll help you manage your pain so you can get back to living your life!

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Physical Therapy for Dementia

Dementia is a group of conditions that affect the brain, causing problems with memory, thinking, communication, and behavior. Dementia has many forms, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and more. It’s a big deal. According to the WHO, it’s the seventh leading cause of death worldwide and one of the major causes of disability among older people. While there is no cure for dementia, there are ways to manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life for people living with this condition.

Physical activity is one common recommendation. While exercise is certainly beneficial to everyone, the evidence for exercise’s effect on dementia symptoms is mixed. Most studies do show that exercise can help delay or reduce symptoms like depression, or apathy. Some studies also show a benefit in delaying or reducing cognitive declines. If you’re familiar with the benefits of exercise, this all makes sense. We know exercise has a positive effect on mood and depression. When your heart pumps harder during exercise, it increases blood flow throughout your body, including to your brain. 

Does Any Type of Exercise Work?

For people with dementia, it doesn’t appear as simple as “exercise and symptoms improve.” Studies have shown that the type of exercise, duration, and frequency all make a difference. For example, one study showed that people with dementia who engaged in dance movement therapy had less depression and better physical function. A second group who performed other types of exercise at the same intensity did not see those benefits. This is where a physical therapist can be incredibly beneficial. 

Physical therapy for dementia is tailored to each individual’s needs, goals, abilities, and preferences. The physical therapist will conduct a thorough evaluation of the person’s medical history, physical condition, cognitive status, functional level, and personal interests. Based on this information, the physical therapist will design a personalized treatment plan that includes specific exercises and activities that target the areas that need improvement.

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The treatment plan may include:

  • Aerobic exercises to improve cardiovascular health, oxygen delivery to the brain, mood, energy levels, and cognitive function.
  • Strength exercises to build muscle strength and power.
  • Balance exercises to challenge the person’s ability to maintain equilibrium and prevent falls.
  • Functional exercises that mimic or practice daily activities that are important or meaningful to the person, such as climbing stairs, getting in and out of bed or a car, or using utensils.
  • Coordination exercises or more complex movements like dance or tai chi. Evidence shows more complex movements like these have larger effects on more dementia symptoms than a simpler exercise like riding a stationary bike. 
  • Dual – task or cognitive exercises like combining walking with doing math out loud, or solving puzzles while on a stationary bike or treadmill. Again, research shows that combining physical and cognitive challenges can have an effect on dementia symptoms. 

The physical therapist will monitor the person’s progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed. They’ll also provide feedback and encouragement. The physical therapist will also educate and advise the person and their family or caregivers on how to continue or incorporate physical activity into their daily routine and lifestyle.

Physical therapy is a safe and effective way to help people with dementia improve their physical and mental health, as well as their quality of life. Physical therapy can also provide support and guidance to people with dementia and their caregivers, helping them cope and adapt to the changes and challenges that come with this condition.

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