subject: Physical Therapy And Arthritis [print this page] Arthritis is a joint disease that occurs from trauma or the aging process. Joint pain is a common symptom of arthritis and it happens because of the daily wear on joint muscles. The arthritis sometimes causes discomfort and pain when you move your joints and if your body is stiff from the arthritis, the condition becomes worse. Both physical therapy and aspirin can relax your joints, manage the arthritis, and reduce the symptoms of arthritis. Physical therapy offers a practical and long term solution to arthritis. That's why we think it may be better than other solutions.
In physical therapy, therapists will teach you different methods for exercises, such as stretches, water exercises, muscle strengthening exercises, and aerobics. For example, because warm water relieves joint pain and relaxes your muscles, it's common for swimming activities to be included in physical therapy. And doing aerobics also helps with the strengthening of the muscles without putting pressure on the joints. It is better for the therapist to know more about your specific symptoms. It will make your condition more manageable on a daily basis. If you are overweight, physical therapy may include weight loss exercises which takes stress off the joints.
If you're uncomfortable with a certain exercise during physical therapy, tell the therapist so he can develop a new set of exercises. If the physical therapy does not work very well for you, you may have to consider surgery for your condition. Generally, physical therapy is an excellent way to relieve arthritis pain. Sometimes you need to reduce the exercises for a brief time so your body can relax and regroup.
Before choosing a good physical therapist, you can visit online review websites and see if you can find anything from their patients had to say about the treatment. Visit the clinics' websites and read detailed information on their services. Read some local health magazines and read profiles on different physical therapists, then call the therapists and ask how they can help patients with arthritis. You should also ask about the price and if they accept certain insurance providers or Medicare.
When you are taking a physical therapy, there are other non-medicated ways to relieve the arthritis. You want to get as much rest as possible at night because your joints need to rest. You should also avoid activities that will easily cause injuries. If you work from the computer, stand up every few hours and stretch your arms, neck and legs. When sitting in the chair, always sit straight up and don't slump over as this puts pressure on your joint muscles. It also helps to wear special rubber soles in your shoes to relieve the pain of foot arthritis. Also give your hands a break if you use them often for work purposes. Instead of taking painkillers, drink herbal teas with lemon and honey as they relieve joint pain. Avoid the lifting of heavy boxes or cans and get someone to help.
