Arthritis Therapy
Arthritis therapy is a treatment for rheumatological conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome, and ankylosing spondylitis. Our arthritis physical therapists will treat painful areas with manual therapy and massage and will design a strengthening and stretching program specifically for your needs. Our physical therapists will teach you safe ways to control your arthritis and discourage constant flare-ups.
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Osteoarthritis is widespread and limits many patients from activities they enjoy. Studies show that 80% of Americans after the age of 50 will develop osteoarthritis and most people over the age of 60 have some arthritis. Although there is no “cure” for arthritis, physical therapy can significantly help decrease the symptoms of pain, swelling, and limited range of motion associated with osteoarthritis. Often improvement in muscle flexibility, joint range of motion, and body mechanics can allow patients with arthritis to return to normal activities. Water exercise/ walking on hydrotracks can be a great place to start exercising painful joints that do not tolerate a normal exercise program.
It is estimated that more than 80% of the 30 million Americans with osteoporosis are women. Studies of osteoporosis in older women have shown that the rate of bone tissue can be slowed through regular exercise. Harvard researches found that engaging in high intensity, weight-bearing, strength training twice a week for a year increased bone mineral content. Women who did not exercise and were the same age lost 33 grams of bone tissue. The women who exercised also improved their balance and muscle mass. These and other studies concluded that weight-bearing exercise can help strengthen bones, prevent osteoporosis or painful hip fractures.
Our arthritis physical therapists will perform a comprehensive evaluation in order to develop a weight-bearing exercise program that is tailored to maximize your physical function and bone loss. Your descriptive home strengthening program can eventually be performed independently and safely at home. |
