If you’re looking for pain relief, look no further
Do you ever wake up with stiff joints that make it difficult to get moving in the morning? They may become less painful as the day goes on, but you may be experiencing early-onset arthritis. This is a common condition, projected to affect 78 million adults by 2040, that many people develop; however, many live with their painful joints for far too long before seeking help.
Thankfully, physical therapy clinics are one treatment option that you can turn to for arthritis pain. One of our licensed physical therapists at Mountain Land Physical Therapy Partners in Utah, Montana, and Idaho will provide you with gentle exercises to help improve your range of motion, flexibility, and overall function in the affected joint(s).
Our therapists will provide you with the resources and knowledge you need to prevent future arthritis-related injuries as well. Additionally, we will evaluate which joints are stiff and painful and assess which exercises will provide pain relief during everyday activities for your arthritis.
If you are suffering from arthritis or you think you may be experiencing arthritic symptoms, including chronic pain, request an appointment at Mountain Land Physical Therapy Partners today.
Key takeaways
- Effective pain relief: Physical therapy improves range of motion and flexibility to manage chronic arthritis pain.
- Understanding types: We treat both Osteoarthritis (wear and tear) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (autoimmune).
- Personalized care: Treatment plans are customized to help patients avoid surgery, heavy medication, and injections.
- Local Access: Specialized care is available in Utah, Idaho, and Montana.
What type of arthritis do I have?
Arthritis causes pain and inflammation, and it can affect one or multiple joints at once. According to the Arthritis Foundation, arthritis affects over 50 million people, and it is currently the leading cause of disability across the nation. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two most common types.
Osteoarthritis
As the most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis is typically easy to diagnose. It can be caused by a sudden injury to the joint or by a previous injury that has fully healed.
Let’s say you were an athlete in college who experienced a harsh blow to the knee. You received treatment, recovered, and returned to the game. Although the injury healed, the damage to the cartilage or surrounding muscles may have reduced support for the joint. The motion of the joint may also have been slightly altered. Therefore, it is still possible for you to develop osteoarthritis from that injury later in life.
The same rules apply to overuse or repetitive motion careers. For example, if you are a construction worker who swings a hammer in repetitive motions as a crucial part of your job, you may develop osteoarthritis in the joints of your elbows or hands.
Osteoarthritis occurs when joint cartilage wears down, either due to age or overuse. This causes joint pain because the cartilage is no longer acting as the thick cushion it once was. Without a cushion, the bones grind together, which in turn causes an inflammatory response in the joint.
Being overweight may also put you at a higher risk for developing osteoarthritis, as it adds additional strain to your knee and hip joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis develops as an autoimmune response, meaning the immune system recognizes the joints as a threat and attacks them. Rheumatoid arthritis, also known as “inflammatory arthritis,” is common but not well understood.
Researchers have come to believe that a person’s medical history, environment, and hormones could all be contributing factors toward the development of rheumatoid arthritis.
This condition is typically more prevalent in females than in males .
Because it is an autoimmune condition, it is common for it to affect the same joints on different sides of the body.
Common symptoms reported by patients in our Utah clinics include:
- Joint stiffness: Soreness that worsens after prolonged sitting, standing, or inactivity.
- Movement pain: Discomfort during daily tasks, such as bending over or lifting objects.
- Mechanical symptoms: Popping or clicking sounds in the affected joints during movement.
- Physical sensitivity: Joints that are tender or painful to the touch.
- Activity-related pain: Discomfort that flares up during exercise or work but may subside with rest.
How can physical therapy relieve my arthritis pain?
Physical therapy clinics help restore normal joint motion, strengthen supporting muscles, and improve how you walk, run, bend, and move.
If you are suffering from arthritis, or you think you might be, you could greatly benefit from physical therapy treatments at our Mountain Land Physical Therapy Partners clinics.
In many cases, treatments at physical therapy clinics, recognized as a critical non-pharmacological intervention, can even help you avoid the need for surgery, medications, and injections.
Our treatments are tailored to your specific needs to help you recover quickly and have a more permanent outcome. We also teach you ways to prevent future joint injury, and what you can do on your own with the correct therapeutic exercises.
Ready to find lasting arthritis relief?
Contact Mountain Land Physical Therapy Partners today to find out how our services can help you find long-lasting pain relief for your arthritis. We will treat you with the utmost care, compassion, and understanding of your condition. You can be assured that your symptoms and concerns will be considered as your customized treatment plan is developed.
The physical therapists at one of our clinics will conduct a physical evaluation to determine the best course of treatment for you.
Don’t let your arthritis limit you any longer – request your appointment today.