Are you living with arthritis? Do you think you may be experiencing symptoms of early onset arthritis? Do your joints feel painful, achy, or weak?
If you are living with arthritis, you’re not alone. In fact, there are over 100 different types of arthritis that people are diagnosed with. The most common demographic to be diagnosed with arthritis is the elderly; however, it is possible for people to develop arthritic symptoms in their early middle age, as well.
In a study published by the American Journal of Sports Medicine, it was discovered that male athletes who participate in professional sports are more likely to develop arthritis in their lifetime than the rest of the general population. In fact, the results of the study stated that 30% of male athletes involved in contact sports will end up eventually developing arthritis in their knees and/or hips, due to overexertion and excessive “wear and tear.”
If you have been diagnosed with arthritis, or if you think you’re experiencing arthritic symptoms, contact Aspen Rehab in Coral Springs, FL today to set up a consultation. We’ll design the best treatment plan for your needs.
What type of arthritis am I experiencing?
- Osteoarthritis. This is the most common type of arthritis. It is caused by a reduction in joint cartilage through the “wear and tear” one experiences with age. This process of wearing down cartilage causes bones to rub together, which leads to pain and swelling. Physical therapy can often help to reduce osteoarthritis pain without medication, especially if it is diagnosed as mild-to-moderate.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis. Also referred to as inflammatory arthritis, this is the second most common type of arthritis. It occurs when the body’s immune system attacks joint tissues with intense inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis often has a genetic cause, and doctors usually treat it aggressively with drugs. However, depending on the severity of symptoms, physical therapy may be recommended for treatment as well.
- Metabolic Arthritis. The most common type of metabolic arthritis is gout, a condition caused by uric acid crystals building up in the joints of the extremities, especially in the feet. This is typically a result of reduced kidney function. Physical therapy can help gout patients restore range of motion in the affected area, and it can even reduce the buildup of acidic crystals that accumulate in the joints.
How can arthritis be treated naturally?
Many people living with arthritis turn to medication to manage their symptoms. Doctors often prescribe NSAIDs to reduce inflammation and pain, corticosteroids to calm flare-ups, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs to slow progression, or antibiotics when infection-related arthritis is present. For some, medication can provide quick and noticeable relief.
However, long-term reliance on certain medications may come with potential side effects. NSAIDs can increase the risk of stomach irritation and cardiovascular concerns, while corticosteroids may contribute to elevated blood sugar, bone thinning, or other complications when used over time. Because of these risks, many individuals look for safer, sustainable ways to manage their joint pain.
Physical therapy offers a natural, drug-free approach to arthritis care. Through personalized exercise programs, joint mobility work, strength training, and pain-relief techniques, a physical therapist can help reduce stiffness, improve flexibility, and enhance overall function. Rather than simply masking symptoms, therapy addresses the root causes of discomfort and supports long-term joint health.
If arthritis pain is limiting your daily activities, there is another option beyond medication alone. Contact our office today to schedule an evaluation and discover how physical therapy can help you move more comfortably and confidently.
Find relief with the help of physical therapy
There are 3 main goals of physical therapy treatments for arthritis:
1) relieving pain by decreasing the stress on your joints,
2) increasing your strength, and
3) improving your functional movements and range of motion.
This is done through targeted and proven methods, including:
- Stretching/exercise. Light exercises and stretching will help to increase range of motion in the affected areas.
- Posture improvement. Posture work will help to reduce stress on your joints.
- Rest. Your therapist will also recommend a schedule for rest and sleep to complement your exercises. This helps the body to heal and will hopefully reduce your amount of arthritic inflammation and pain.
- Weight control. Your physical therapist will work with you to control your weight through exercise and diet. Controlling your weight helps to prevent added stress on weight-bearing joints.
Your treatment plan will be designed specifically for you, depending on the type of arthritis you are living with and the severity of your symptoms.
If you are looking to find relief for your arthritic pains without the risk of potentially harmful pain-management drugs, request an appointment with us today! We’ll help you find the relief you need, the natural way.
