BLOG

May is national arthritis month. Arthritis may seem relatively benign – everyone knows someone who has arthritis. But here are some numbers that help put the problem of arthritis into perspective:

• Arthritis is the leading cause of disability.
• Arthritis affects 1 in 5 adults and 300,000 children
• 1/3 of working-age people with arthritis have some limitation in their ability to work
• Arthritis costs $156 billion each year in medical expenses and lost wages
• Nearly 1 million hospitalizations happen each year due to arthritis

Arthritis can be a debilitating condition and a significant problem. The good news is that physical therapy is one of the most effective treatments for arthritis.

The Benefits of Physical Therapy for Managing Arthritis Symptoms

Arthritis comes in 2 forms: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs because of wear and tear on the joints over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory, autoimmune disease. It happens because the immune system attacks the joint lining. Physical therapy can reduce joint pain, improve mobility, and help to prevent further damage to the joints. Physical therapists use individualized exercises to help people manage their condition and minimize discomfort. Physical therapists often combine advice on lifestyle modifications with functional activity to maximize improvement. Let’s look at the types of exercise that can help manage arthritis symptoms next.

Range of Motion (ROM) Exercises

ROM exercises focus on moving affected joints through their available range of motion to reduce stiffness and improve mobility. Our practice owner Karl Kolbeck, PT, says, “Motion is lotion!” Examples include gentle stretching, tai chi, or gentle yoga.

Aerobic Exercise

Aerobic exercise for people with arthritis should be low-impact; and can include activities like walking, cycling, or swimming. Aerobic exercise creates repeated motion, which helps disperse synovial fluid in the joints. It also increases blood flow and releases endorphins which reduce pain. Aerobic exercise also helps to control weight. Weight loss is proven to reduce the stress on your joints, which can reduce pain.

Strength Training

Strength training is an essential part of managing arthritis. It decreases pain and improves strength and function. Stronger muscles around the affected joints provide better support and protection.

Aquatic Exercise

Exercising in a therapeutic pool can be an excellent way for people with arthritis to get started. The movement of your body through the water creates resistance for your muscles, allowing them to get stronger in a protective environment. The water’s buoyancy helps relieve some of the body’s pressure on the joints. The water pressure also compresses the joints, offering stability and pain relief.

Education

Besides designing a custom exercise program, a physical therapist will educate people with arthritis on lifestyle modifications to help manage their symptoms. Some suggestions include weight loss, getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and managing stress. A PT can also modify daily activities to help protect joints affected by arthritis, slowing down or preventing the progression of symptoms.

Physical therapy is a safe and effective treatment for arthritis. Current clinical guidelines for treating arthritis include recommendations for exercise and other physical therapy treatments. If you’re one of the 53 million Americans with arthritis, contact your PT. At Rose City Physical Therapy, our physical therapists will help you reduce pain, manage your symptoms, and move better!

References:

Research (peer-reviewed)

1. Knee osteoarthritis: key treatments and implications for physical therapy- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1413355520302434 
2. Osteoarthritis Management: Updated Guidelines from the American College of Rheumatology and Arthritis Foundation – https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2021/0115/p120.html 
3. Physical therapy for patients with knee and hip osteoarthritis: supervised, active treatment is current best practice – https://sport-physiotherapie-halle41.ch/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/9-Physical-therapy-for-patients-with-knee-and-hip-osteoarthritis-2019.pdf 

Articles and Content

1. May Is National Arthritis Awareness Month – News
2. Benefits of Exercise for Osteoarthritis | Arthritis FoundationHow Can Physical Therapy Help to Avoid Surgery? – Tucson Orthopaedic Institute

Repurposed from APTA PPS (Private Practice Section)

https://ppsapta.org/marketing/blog/browse.cfm?recID=D2B63EF9-CF02-0B95-80643C42A0B7E9D2&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=PPS%20Informz