Arthritis Pain

Man suffering arthritis pain in hand.

Med1Care Therapy Partner’s physical therapists are knowledgeable in the treatment of all types of arthritis. Arthritis pain normally increases with physical activity of the affected area.

Arthritic symptoms may include stiffness and physical deformity. Cartilage between the bones of the affected joints typically wears down allowing painful bone on bone grinding.

Reasons for Arthritis

Presently, over 100 varieties of arthritis have been identified. The primary cause of arthritis is unknown,although genetics do play a role. Old age, joint damage from an injury, and obesity increase the risk of suffering from arthritis.

There are six primary types of arthritis, including:

  • Osteoarthritis arthritis (OA)
  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
  • Psoriatic arthritis (PsA)
  • Gout
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Lupus

Additional reading on arthritis types may be found here.

How We Can Help

Med1Care Therapy Partner’s experienced therapists are trained in arthritis treatment. Our experienced physical therapists can help reduce arthritis pain and return you to your regular activities. With physical therapy for arthritis, we strive to reduce pain, restore the use of affected joints, improve mobility and increase strength.

Our treatment plans often include light exercise and stretching routines, postural training with the use of canes and walkers and suggested modifications to your environment. We develop a personalized treatment plan, customized to your condition and unique needs.

Call us at 419.866.0555 to schedule a consultation.
Our specialists will help you chart a course forward.

Physical therapist exercising arthitis patient.This is a common question. It is usually asked by people seeking arthritis relief through exercise on their own. Unfortunately, they may have been performing the wrong exercise, performing the right exercise incorrectly or exercising at the wrong time.
Proper exercise under our supervision is very helpful in improving stiffness, pain and range of motion. You may also feel better mentally.

With our experienced therapists, you can exercise without making your pain worse. Regular physical activity can actually decrease arthritis pain. It is important to know what exercise is right for you, perform it properly and progress at the right time.

Older woman taking pain medication.1. Take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These can be helpful in reducing arthritis pain. Primary care physician approval is recommended.

2. Cold and hot therapy. Cold will reduce swelling and inflammation. Heat will increase circulation.

3. Taping and bracing. Our physical therapists are trained in Kinesio taping. This lightly adhering tape can help take pressure off the arthritic joint or area as well as assist the muscles or tendons to support the joint.

Chart showing osteoporosis progression.Many people with osteoporosis worry that exercise will increase the risk of a fracture, and rightly so.

Activities you should avoid if you have osteoporosis include:

  • High-impact exercises like running, jumping and jogging.
  • Rapid and jerky exercises.
  • Bending and twisting at the waist, which can cause spinal compression fractures. Avoid toe touches, sit-ups, golf, tennis, bowling and some yoga.

However, safe exercise is still needed because strong muscles protect bones. Ask your physical therapist what exercises are appropriate for you.

Activities generally recommended for people with osteoporosis include:

  • Strength training, particularly for the upper back.
  • Weight-bearing aerobics like walking, dancing, elliptical training, stair climbing, gardening and low impact aerobics.
  • Flexibility exercises.
  • Stability and balance training.

While swimming and cycling have many benefits, they don’t provide the weight-bearing load bones needed to reduce mineral loss.