Arthritis is a chronic condition that causes joint inflammation – leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling. The most commonly affected joints are the hips, knees, hands, and spine. Arthritis is not a single disease but an umbrella term that includes various types.

Some of the more common types of arthritis are

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Gout
  • Psoriatic arthritis
  • Ankylosing spondylitis

The CDC estimates that roughly 19 percent of people who live or work in Federal Way and greater King County have been diagnosed with arthritis. Approximately 40 percent of Washingtonians with arthritis report work limitations due to their arthritis.

While physical therapy might not be the first treatment you think of for arthritis – it probably should be.

Many people with arthritis

  • Use medication to manage their pain
  • Stop activities that hurt
  • Wait for things to get bad enough to have a joint replacement

But this is not a great plan.

  • All medications have side effects, even over-the-counter ones
  • Reducing activity leads to muscle atrophy and even stiffer joints
  • Even though joint replacement surgery usually has good outcomes, it does come with its own set of risks and a painful recovery

Addressing Arthritis with Physical Therapy

Physical therapy has been extensively researched as a treatment for arthritis and demonstrates good outcomes.

Physical therapists typically start with exercise as the base for arthritis treatment.

Exercise helps to

  • Regain lost joint motion
  • Decrease feelings of stiffness
  • Strengthen muscles surrounding the affected joint
  • Deliver similar pain relief as medication for many types of arthritis without the medication side effects

The CDC estimates that 50% of Washingtonians with arthritis limit their activity due to arthritis. Imagine the possibility of resuming some activities you love without suffering from arthritis pain. A physical therapist can do an assessment and discuss possibilities and options with you. Contact us to learn more.

If you are ready to see if you can get back to the activities you love, it may be time to give physical therapy a try. You will be happy to learn that physical therapy has more to offer people with arthritis who live or work in Federal Way, Washington, than just exercise.

Education can help you

  • Understand your condition
  • What to expect
  • How to manage it

Modifying your movements and environment can ease arthritis symptoms. As experts in human movement, physical therapists are especially good at helping people modify the way they perform particular tasks and activities to reduce strain on joints affected by arthritis. They can also suggest ways to modify your environment at work or home to reduce pain and improve function.

Your physical therapist may also suggest devices like braces, orthotics, or other devices that can help maintain mobility and reduce pain. On top of that, PT is proven to be a cost-effective treatment.

With so many techniques that are proven effective in helping people with arthritis, physical therapy is a recommended first-line treatment for many types of arthritis. Now that you have a better understanding of what physical therapy can do, hopefully, you will think of physical therapy first when you think of arthritis too.

Schedule an appointment in our Federal Way Clinic or contact us to talk with a physical therapist about arthritis and resuming the life you love.

Citations

Research (peer-reviewed)

Articles and Content

Statistics