People living with arthritis know that flare-ups can be debilitating. With no cure and various types of arthritis, it can be difficult to find a way to manage the condition. If stiffness, joint pain, and inflammation are constant issues, physical therapy is worth exploring. This treatment focuses on rebuilding and maintaining joint function for greater mobility and a better quality of life. Take a look at how it can help you manage your symptoms. 

What Are Common Arthritis Issues?

Arthritis flare-ups can be mild and infrequent or constant and painful. Joint inflammation causes stiffness and swelling that may drastically reduce the range of motion in the elbows, shoulders, knees, hands, wrists, ankles, jaw, and neck. This can make everyday, simple movements painful to do. With some forms of arthritis, like osteoarthritis, the cartilage between bones breaks down, further affecting your mobility.

Many patients attempt to manage flare-ups with pain medication and anti-inflammatories. While helpful, they’re only temporary and are simply reducing side effects rather than treating arthritis.

How Physical Therapy Can Help

Physical therapy doesn’t cure arthritis. Instead, it helps your body recover. Therapists create custom treatment plans for each patient. These involve bodyweight movements, stretching, resistance exercises, and calisthenics that specifically target joints affected by arthritis. Strengthening these areas keeps joints better lubricated, which reduces inflammation and arthritis-related pain. 

At the same time, physical therapy focuses on lifestyle changes. Learning how to climb stairs or carry items without placing additional stress on joints will also reduce inflammation. Shedding excess weight through exercise also reduces stress on the joints.

Ready to explore physical therapy for your arthritis? Patients in the Warsaw, NY, area turn to the professionals at Step By Step Physical Therapy. This practice provides rehabilitation services for a broad range of injuries. From arthritis to neck pain and lower and middle back pain, their staff will create a custom treatment plan to help you recover. Call (585) 786-8700 today to speak with a team member. Visit their website to learn more about their physical therapy services.