Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation and stiffness in the joints, leading to pain and difficulty with movement. It is most commonly seen in two forms: osteoarthritis, which occurs from wear and tear, and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder. There are more than 100 types of arthritis.
Don’t ignore the facts:
- Arthritis affects about 1 in 5 U.S. adults, that’s about 54 million people
- Arthritis is one of the leading causes of work disability among adults
- People with arthritis are four times more likely to have at least two falls. They also are five times more likely to be hurt from falling
Risk factors:
- Age – the risk of developing arthritis increases as people get older
- Prior joint injuries
- Being overweight or obese
- Smoking
At Southwest General, we offer specialized physical therapy programs to manage arthritis symptoms. Our treatments focus on:
- Improving joint mobility:
- Gentle, controlled exercises help increase flexibility and reduce stiffness in affected joints
- Reducing pain and inflammation:
- Through manual therapy techniques and targeted movements, we work to decrease pain and inflammation, allowing for better function.
- Strengthening muscles:
- Building strength around the affected joints can improve support and reduce stress on the joints, making everyday activities easier.
Sources:
Arthritis Basics | Arthritis | CDC
Osteoarthritis | Arthritis | CDC
Guide | Physical Therapy Guide to Osteoarthritis | Choose PT