Arthritis
Arthritis is painful inflammation and stiffness of one or more joints in the body. The main focus with physical therapy is moving the body in pain free movements as to not irritate the arthritic joints.
OPTC Patient Care Journey
Your personal OPTC physical therapist will perform a thorough evaluation. Upon completion of your evaluation your physical therapist will design an exercise program tailored to your specific needs and goals.
A large portion of your treatment will also include manual massage, mobilization, and other hands on techniques. Our goal is to work with you and your pain and return you to an active lifestyle.
The following are examples of what might be included in your individualized physical therapy treatment program: Mulligan/ Maitland joint mobilizations, Mackenzie exercises based on extension or flexion, soft tissue mobilization with Graston techniques, ASTYM, modalities for comfort (cold/hot pack, e-stim, ultrasound), dry needling, traction, use of our reformer, and much more!
Below is a list of the most common types of Arthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
The focus is on strength and stabilization through physical therapy when facing Rheumatoid Arthritis. Unfortunately, physical therapy can not change damage or slow down the diagnosis but can help with managing joint pain symptoms and improving over mobility.
Osteoarthritis
Is the wear and tear on the joints. The damage is not reversible but the focus of physical therapy is to improve strength and flexibility, to decrease stress on the joints, decrease further damage, and to develop a pain management program.