Understanding Osteoarthritis and How Attain Physical Therapy Can Help

What is Osteoarthritis?

Joint pain is a common ailment that affects people of all ages and lifestyles. It can occur in any of the body's joints, including the knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, wrists, and ankles. Joint pain can range from a mild, intermittent ache to severe, chronic pain that significantly impacts daily activities. Understanding the specific joint affected and the underlying cause of the pain is crucial for effective treatment.

Symptoms and Causes of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis symptoms can vary, but the most common include:

• Pain: Affected joints might hurt during or after movement.
• Stiffness: Joint stiffness might be most noticeable upon waking up or after being inactive.
• Tenderness: Your joint might feel tender when you apply light pressure to or near it.
• Loss of Flexibility: You might not be able to move your joint through its full range of motion.
• Grating Sensation: You might feel a grating sensation when using the joint, and you might hear popping or crackling.
• Bone Spurs: These extra bits of bone, which feel like hard lumps, can form around the affected joint.
• Swelling: This might be caused by soft tissue inflammation around the joint.

The causes of osteoarthritis are varied and can include:

• Age: The risk of osteoarthritis increases with age.
• Joint Injuries: Injuries, such as those that occur when playing sports or from an accident, can increase the risk of osteoarthritis.
• Repetitive Stress: Jobs or sports that place repetitive stress on a joint can lead to osteoarthritis.
• Genetics: Some people inherit a tendency to develop osteoarthritis.
• Bone Deformities: Some people are born with malformed joints or defective cartilage.
• Obesity: Carrying extra body weight contributes to osteoarthritis in several ways, and the more you weigh, the greater your risk. Excess weight adds stress to weight-bearing joints, such as your hips and knees.

How Physical Therapy Helps with Osteoarthritis

1. Comprehensive Assessment

• Detailed Evaluation: Physical therapists conduct a thorough assessment to identify the specific joints affected by osteoarthritis and the severity of the condition. This may include a physical examination, medical history review, and discussions about your lifestyle and daily activities.
• Personalized Treatment Plan: Based on the evaluation, a customized treatment plan is developed to address your unique needs and goals, considering the multifaceted nature of osteoarthritis.

2. Pain Management

Education: Our therapists will provide education to help you understand your symptoms better, we also educate you on ways to take control of your own pain.

• Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques, including massage, joint mobilization, and soft tissue manipulation, help relieve pain, improve circulation, and enhance tissue mobility.

3. Restoring Mobility

• Stretching Exercises: Specific stretches to improve flexibility and reduce muscle tension around the affected joints.
• Range of Motion Exercises: Gentle exercises to restore movement and reduce stiffness in the joints, promoting better overall mobility.

4. Improving Strength

• Strengthening Exercises: Targeted exercises to build strength in the muscles that support the affected joints, reducing the burden on painful structures and improving overall stability.
• Progressive Resistance Training: Gradually increasing resistance to build strength without exacerbating pain, tailored to your tolerance and progress.

5. Enhancing Function

• Functional Training: Exercises and activities designed to mimic daily tasks and improve functional abilities, helping you regain independence and confidence in your movements.
• Gait and Posture Training: Teaching proper walking patterns and postural alignment to reduce strain on painful joints and promote better body mechanics.

6. Joint Protection Techniques

• Education on Joint Protection: Providing information on how to protect your joints during daily activities, including proper body mechanics and ergonomic advice.
• Assistive Devices: Recommending and training in the use of assistive devices such as braces, canes, or walkers to reduce joint strain and enhance mobility.

7. Education and Self-Management

• Symptom Management Strategies: Teaching techniques for managing osteoarthritis symptoms at home, including exercises, lifestyle modifications, and environmental adjustments.
• Preventative Measures: Offering advice on how to prevent further joint degeneration and manage flare-ups effectively.

How Attain Physical Therapy Treats Osteoarthritis

Dr. Ben has additional training to manage osteoporosis with carefully crafted strengthening plans that will improve your bone density in a safe manner.