Can Arthritis Be Treated With Physical Therapy?

Arthritis is a painful condition that can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks or participate in pleasurable activities. Although there is no cure for arthritis, there are things you can do to reduce your pain and improve your functioning. Physical therapy, in particular, can be used to treat arthritis, improving mobility, increasing strength, and maximizing quality of life.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis refers to swelling, pain, and stiffness in the joints. There are dozens of different types of arthritis, but the most common include:

• Osteoarthritis - wear and tear causes cartilage to thin and bones to rub together
  Rheumatoid arthritis - immune system attacks healthy joint tissue

Arthritis can affect the ankles, hips, hands, fingers, neck, knees, wrists, or any joint in the body. The pain associated with arthritis can be sudden, sharp, dull, intermittent, or chronic.

Arthritis treatment

There is no cure for arthritis, but there are several different options for treating the symptoms, depending on the type of arthritis and the severity of the condition. Medications, acupuncture and massage, and surgery are often used to help manage pain, reduce inflammation and swelling, and maximize range of motion. Certain lifestyle changes can also make a big difference. These include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight

• Regular exercise (low-impact)

• Healthy diet

• Meditation and relaxation techniques to manage stress

Although certain healthy lifestyle choices may feel impossible when you suffer from joint pain and stiffness, physical therapy can have a significant impact on your ability to manage your pain and maintain your fitness levels.

Arthritis physical therapy exercises

A physical therapy treatment plan is customized to the individual patient, and the exercises are designed to treat their specific symptoms. In general, whether your physical therapist gives you hip arthritis exercises or knee arthritis exercises, the goal is to improve mobility, increase strength and range of motion, and maintain fitness levels. Here’s how:

Range of motion exercises for arthritis

Simple exercises can improve mobility and flexibility in your joints. Knee arthritis exercises for range of motion may include sitting in a chair and straightening and bending one leg at a time. Shoulder range of motion exercise may include lifting and raising your arms. You’ll typically be instructed to move as far as you can until you feel a light stretch. Your physical therapist will help teach you the proper mechanics and postures.

Strength exercises for arthritis

Evidence shows that building strength in the muscles that help stabilize and support the affected joints can help to prevent or slow the process of arthritis. It’s important to perform the exercises slowly and only make gradual increases in order to keep the body in alignment and maintain healthy postures. Examples of knee arthritis exercises for strength include squats, leg presses, and leg curls. Your physical therapist will give you any necessary modifications to ensure that you stay safe.

Functional movement exercises

Physical therapists are skilled and trained in helping patients to manage pain and maximize functioning, and they do this in a number of ways. While strength and flexibility are important in managing symptoms of arthritis, a physical therapist can also train patients in the use of equipment such as canes, crutches, wheelchairs and walkers. Physical therapists are equipped with the training and knowledge to help all patients maximize their mobility and maintain healthy fitness levels.

Physical therapy can be used in combination with any other arthritis treatment for maximum benefits and maximum quality of life.

Physical therapy for arthritis at Bella Vista Health Center in San Diego, CA

At Bella Vista Health Center, our physical therapists are highly trained and experienced in the treatment of arthritis. If you or someone you love is in need of physical therapy for arthritis, give us a call at (619) 644-1000 to schedule a visit to our 5-Star skilled nursing facility in Lemon Grove. We’d love to show you around and introduce you to our dedicated team of physical therapists and other skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals.

Why is Physical Therapy Important After Surgery?

Surgery is a daunting prospect regardless of the injury it aims to address, and there’s no greater relief than waking up to a successful outcome. But if you think the recovery process is all about soup served in bed while binge-watching your favorite shows, think again. To regain strength and mobility after surgery, you will most likely need physical therapy, which involves specific exercises and specialized equipment tailored to your injury recovery and treatment goals.

Unfortunately, many patients do not comply with physical therapy recommendations, sometimes because they want to avoid the hassle or pain that is assumed to accompany physical therapy, but often because they don’t fully understand why it’s so vital for recovery. If you have an upcoming surgery and your doctor has recommended physical therapy afterward, here is why you should heed her advice:

Specialized exercises help you regain mobility

Whether you’re an active athlete or you live a quiet life in a nursing facility, the ability to return to daily activities after surgery is key for maintaining your quality of life. Directly after surgery, you will likely experience swelling and limited range of motion, along with severe pain and diminished mobility. Failure to use your joints after surgery can cause them to heal improperly. Physical therapy exercises will restore movement and strengthen the part of your body that is healing. It will also decrease the likelihood of re-injury.

Guided stretching maintains flexibility

After surgery, scar tissue forms around bones and muscle while soft tissue contracts. If left untreated, this scar tissue will limit your range of motion and flexibility. Regular stretching exercises during physical therapy will ensure that scar formation doesn’t hamper your recovery. Physical therapy is also vital to regaining or maintaining your range of motion. Stiff joints and tight muscles can prevent you from performing even the simplest of tasks, such as climbing stairs or reaching overhead, which is why stretching under the guidance of a medical professional is essential to your recovery.

Regular movement promotes healing

One reason it’s important to start physical therapy as soon as your surgeon or orthopedic specialist recommends it is that it can promote healing. Improved blood circulation through movement exercises will hasten the healing process by delivering key fuels and removing fluid build-up around the injury.

Physical therapy actively engages you in your rehabilitation

Research has shown that patients who are actively engaged in their healthcare have better experiences than those who are not. Working with your physical therapist will allow you to be actively engaged in your recovery, which can reduce the stress and feelings of helplessness that often result after a surgical procedure. Physical therapy can also restore self-confidence, allowing you to accomplish goals you may not think possible otherwise.

Looking for a skilled nursing facility that offers physical therapy in San Diego? 

At Bella Vista Health Center, our Physical Therapy Department offers an individual patient-centered approach that truly focuses on each person’s needs. Our evidence-based, outcome-driven services and therapy programs are designed to relieve pain, restore function, and enhance health through high-quality, skilled nursing care in an environment of healing and wellbeing.

If you or someone you know is looking for a skilled nursing facility that also offers physical therapy services, we invite you to call or visit our five-star location in Lemon Grove today.
 

The Importance of Physical Therapy

While physical therapy is most often associated with injury recovery, it’s can be a vital treatment for anyone looking to restore and improve mobility and functionality—particularly seniors. Flexibility, strength, and balance tend to decline with age, which can negatively impact independence. Many seniors benefit from physical therapy even without an accompanying injury or illness. Read on for more information on how physical therapy can improve the quality of life for your loved one: 

Improved mobility

Physical therapy is exercise-based, and it provides customized stretching and strengthening exercises to help with difficulties walking, moving, and even standing. Physical therapists can also help patients with assistive devices and assess for orthotic prescriptions if needed.

Improved balance

Fall-related injuries are especially dangerous to older bodies that can’t “bounce back” as well as they used to. Physical therapists provide exercises that safely challenge a patient’s balance to simulate real-life situations, and improve coordination to help prevent falls.

Pain relief

Physical therapy techniques such as joint and soft tissue mobilization can help relieve pain, and treatments such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and taping can restore muscle and joint function to reduce pain.

Stroke recovery

Most stroke survivors lose some degree of bodily function and movement, and physical therapy helps strengthen weakened parts as well as improve walking ability and balance. Improved mobility also leads to improved independence. Some patients are able to resume their functioning in daily activities such as bathing and dressing. 

Diabetes management

Exercise can help control blood sugar as part of an overall diabetes management plan. For diabetes patients with reduced sensation in their feet and legs, physical therapists can educate on proper foot care to help prevent future problems.

 Arthritis alleviation

The strength training involved with physical therapy helps alleviate the symptoms of arthritis and improves the use of joints. Additionally, the physical therapist can educate patients on therapeutic methods to relieve discomfort through specialized techniques and activity modifications.

Cardiac rehabilitation

After a heart attack, physical therapy is often recommended if a patient has difficulties in their daily functioning. Physical strengthening, conditioning, and breathing exercises are often used to help improve recovery.

Improved surgery recovery

Improving strength and mobility with physical therapy treatments before a scheduled surgery can help patients recover faster afterward, including less pain and less time until full mobility is achieved. 
 

Positive motivation

Whatever the reason a patient requires physical therapy, treatments will only be effective with a positive mindset. Physical therapists are trained to motivate patients and ensure positivity throughout treatment. 

We can help

At Bella Vista Health Center, we offer an individual patient-centered approach that provides an environment of healing and wellbeing for the highest quality care. Our evidence-based, outcome-driven services and therapy programs are designed to relieve pain, restore function, and enhance health. If you’re looking for a skilled nursing facility with an effective physical therapy program, give us a call today.