What Are The Most Effective Physical Therapies For Arthritic Pain?

The overwhelming majority of people suffering from any kind of arthritic pain will benefit from professional physical therapy. Residents of Florida (Edgewater & Palm Coast) who meet this description should understand that even longstanding aches and pains – no matter their level of severity – can be considerably alleviated with appropriate therapies. Unlike medication or invasive surgical procedures, physical therapy looks to use a variety of methods – often alongside cutting edge new technologies – that not only reduce the pain but do so in a natural and long-lasting way. The focus is very much upon maintaining and retaining a high quality of life by exploring methods that can provide painless mobility.

During their first assessment with a physical therapist, patients will undergo a thorough evaluation of the nature and characteristics of their pain. When other factors such as general health, pre existing conditions, age, medications being taken, and a handful of others are taken together, the expert will look at which therapies will work best together to provide a unified approach towards natural pain reduction. The treatment plan will aim to draw upon the expertise of other disciplines alongside those specifically geared towards physical therapy.

Here is an example of what someone suffering from pain caused by arthritis could expect to be offered.

1) Practical Physical Therapy

There is endless medical and anecdotal evidence that proves physical therapy alone can enormously reduce arthritic pain. In its most basic sense, physical therapy will look towards ways that encourage joints weakened by arthritis to heal and strengthen while also reduce inflammation. Ultimately, the objective is to address the damage while at the same time finding ways to prevent the pain from returning in the future. As such, physical therapy should be considered as both a remedial treatment as well as a strategy that can also boast impressive preventative qualities.

Expect to perform plenty of light stretches during the initial consultation, and a skilled physical therapist will explain each of these in turn so that patients can also perform these between scheduled sessions. 

2) Massage Therapy

The scientific understanding of how massage can help people manage their arthritis pain has made considerable advances in recent years. By using advanced techniques that can identify specifically identify painful and inflamed tissue, massage therapy will focus upon providing deep treatment that stimulates blood flow and promotes both healing and strengthening. Poor blood circulation is proven to be a major contributory cause of arthritic pain – and when used alongside more typical physical therapy exercises the benefits can become apparent surprisingly quickly. Prospective patients ought not to worry about being ‘pummeled’ by these massages – they are almost always very soft and relaxing.

3) TENS & Diathermy Therapies

TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) is nowhere like as scary as many people tend to assume! These therapies are actually completely painless and use small electrodes to target specifically painful muscles and joints. While the relief tends to be relatively short-lasting, it is a handy way of enjoying temporary relief. Thanks to this technology becoming much more affordable in recent years, a TENS technician will be able to demonstrate how best to use this equipment yourself at home (should that be an option). 

Diathermy is similar to TENS but focuses on how heat can be used to eliminate the damaged cells which tend to cause a large proportion of arthritis-related joint pain. There are various ways of performing this benign and non-invasive therapy, and either ultrasound, microwaves, or radio will be used depending on which is most appropriate for the patient. It is a more precise skill than TENS so procedures are usually performed in a clinical environment. 

4) Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy can be extremely useful in helping people to perform their everyday actions and movements in a way that does not cause them to experience discomfort. It is not about ‘teaching people to move again’ but rather focuses on straightforward practicalities such as walking, posture, balance, and general day-to-day activities that might be causing people pain. The idea is helping people realize which muscles are causing them discomfort and how to manage their weight distribution in a more painless manner. Occupational therapy will also look at ways basic adaptations may help assist people to get around their homes in comfort (if required).

The focus here is very much towards not making the existing problems worse. 

People interested in the many benefits that physical therapy can provide for those suffering from arthritic pain should appreciate how these therapies have advanced in recent years. By adopting a more unified approach to physical treatment and therapies we can draw upon the strengths and advantages that each has to offer. Each of those we have discussed above will actively complement other therapies – meaning that the eventual treatment covers all the bases in full. Many people have enjoyed the tremendous relief that proactive physical therapy can offer – and those who are suffering from daily recurring arthritic pain must understand that natural therapies are always better than becoming reliant on medication or invasive surgery.