Arthritis Management

Arthritis management through physical therapy focuses on reducing pain, improving joint function, and enhancing overall mobility for individuals living with arthritis. By utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and patient education, physical therapists help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for those affected by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other forms of this chronic condition.
Common Symptoms
  • Joint pain and tenderness
  • Stiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity
  • Swelling and inflammation around the joints
  • Reduced range of motion
  • Warmth and redness in the affected areas
  • Difficulty performing daily activities
  • Common Condition: Arthritis affects over 54 million adults in the United States, making it a leading cause of disability.
  • Types of Arthritis: There are more than 100 types of arthritis, with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis being the most common.
  • Lifestyle Impact: Maintaining a healthy weight and staying active can significantly reduce arthritis symptoms and improve joint function.
  • Non-Surgical Management: Many individuals with arthritis manage their symptoms effectively with physical therapy and lifestyle modifications, avoiding the need for surgery.
Arthritis can result from various factors, including age-related wear and tear (osteoarthritis), autoimmune disorders (rheumatoid arthritis), joint injuries, genetic predisposition, and infections.
Arthritis can be caused by the natural aging process (osteoarthritis), autoimmune disorders (rheumatoid arthritis), previous injuries, and genetic factors.
Diagnosis involves a physical examination, review of symptoms, and imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI to assess joint damage. Blood tests may also be used to identify specific types of arthritis.
Diagnosis involves a physical examination, review of symptoms, and imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI to assess joint damage. Blood tests may also be used to identify specific types of arthritis.
Treatment options include physical therapy, pain relief medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroid injections, lifestyle modifications, and in severe cases, surgical interventions such as joint replacement.
Treatment options include hand therapy, pain relief medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroid injections, splinting, and in severe cases, surgical intervention.
Hand therapy includes a personalized treatment plan with exercises to improve strength and flexibility, manual therapy to reduce pain and stiffness, custom splinting to support the joints, and education on joint protection techniques and activity modification.
Physical therapy involves a personalized treatment plan that includes exercises to improve strength and flexibility, manual therapy to reduce pain and stiffness, and education on joint protection techniques and lifestyle changes.
Improvement varies depending on the severity of the condition and adherence to the therapy program. Some patients may notice relief within a few weeks, while others may require longer-term therapy.
Improvement varies depending on the severity of the condition and adherence to the therapy program. Some patients may notice improvements within a few weeks, while others may require longer-term therapy.
While arthritis cannot be completely prevented, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding joint injuries, using proper techniques during activities, and managing underlying health conditions can help reduce the risk and manage symptoms.
While arthritis cannot be completely prevented, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding joint injuries, managing chronic conditions, and staying active can help reduce the risk and manage symptoms.
If you experience persistent joint pain, stiffness, swelling, or difficulty performing daily activities, it is important to seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment. Early intervention can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
If you experience persistent joint pain, stiffness, swelling, or difficulty performing daily activities, it is important to seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment. Early intervention can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Patient education is crucial for understanding how to manage symptoms, perform exercises correctly, and make ergonomic adjustments to prevent further joint stress and promote long-term hand health.
Physical therapy plays a crucial role in managing arthritis by providing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to reduce pain, improve joint function, and enhance overall mobility.

Center for Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine is a Michigan based, state-of-the-art Orthopedic facility. With Orthopedic offices in Auburn Hills, we’re able to serve our community with dedication and care. From young children to school students to our elderly population, we’re able to provide top notch Orthopedic care for necks, spines, knees, hips, joint and arthritis therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and more. Call us to see how our Orthopedic specialists can help you today!

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