May is National Arthritis Month; a time to raise awareness and support for the millions of Americans living with arthritis. Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain, stiffness, and swelling. Many busy New Yorkers know how hard it can be on one's knees to walk on the concrete in the streets of New York City.
According to the CDC, arthritis affects more than 54 million adults in the United States. That makes it one of the leading causes of disability.
But there is hope for people with arthritis. Physical therapy is a proven and effective treatment to manage symptoms, improve function, and enhance quality of life. Physical therapists are licensed professionals who evaluate and treat conditions that limit the body's ability to move and perform daily activities. They can also teach you how to prevent or reduce the impact of arthritis on your health and well-being.
Physical therapy for arthritis can help you:
• Ease pain. Physical therapists can use massage, joint mobilizations, exercise, braces, or splints, to relieve pain and inflammation in the affected joints.
• Increase range of motion. Physical therapists can design a personalized exercise program that includes stretching, strengthening, coordination, and balance exercises to improve your flexibility and mobility.
• Improve movement patterns. Physical therapists can teach you proper posture and body mechanics for common activities, such as getting in and out of chairs, climbing stairs, walking, or working. This can help protect your joints to slow down or prevent the progression of your symptoms.
• Enhance your fitness level. Physical therapists can help you create a home workout routine that matches your goals and abilities. They can also show you how to exercise safely and effectively without aggravating your arthritis symptoms.
• Maintain function. Physical therapy can help you maintain or restore your ability to perform everyday tasks like cooking, gardening, shopping, or playing with your grandchildren.
Physical therapy treatment for arthritis is based on scientific evidence and tailored to your individual needs. It can also complement other treatments for arthritis, such as medications, bracing, or topical products. Research has shown that physical therapy can be more effective than steroid injections at reducing pain and disability in people with knee osteoarthritis. It can also have positive effects on fatigue, cardio fitness, cognition, and body composition in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
If you have arthritis or know someone who does, don't let this month pass by without taking action. Contact your physical therapist for an appointment. You can also visit the websites of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) or the Arthritis Foundation to find a physical therapist near you or learn more about physical therapy for arthritis.
Celebrate National Arthritis Month by taking charge of your health and your life with physical therapy!
If you have arthritis and need help developing a personalized exercise program that caters to your specific needs, look no further than Marko Physical Therapy.
We are readily available to assist you in achieving your health goals. We understand that each individual has unique needs, and we are committed to providing personalized care to help you reach your full potential.
Whether you are recovering from an injury or looking to improve your overall fitness, we are dedicated to helping you succeed. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and take the first step towards a healthier, happier you.
For more information on our services, please visit our website at markophysicaltherapy.com. We look forward to helping you on your journey toward optimal health and wellness.
Restore Your Body with Marko Physical Therapy.
Comments