Does Arthritis Prevent You From Doing What You Love?

Arthritis is one of the most common causes of adult pain and disability on the United States.  It is a symptom of more than 150 diseases, symptoms, and rheumatic conditions that includes osteoarthritis, gout, and fibromyalgia.  Most patients overlook the early symptoms of arthritis assuming the pain is a result of over use.

Osteoarthritis, is the most common type of arthritis. It is associated with a wearing down of the cartilage in joints.  Most commonly effecting the weight-bearing joints of the hips, knees, and spine. Typically, osteoarthritis usually does not affect other joints unless previous injury, excessive stress or an underlying disease is involved.

Some common symptoms of osteoarthritis include joint aching and soreness, especially with movement.  Another symptom is pain after overuse as well as stiffness after periods of rest and joint swelling.

Arthritis relief doesn’t always have to come from a bottle in the medicine cabinet. Maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, and using special devices to help you get around can also have a big impact on your symptoms.  Losing weight can help take immense pressure off your joints.

One of the best treatments for arthritis is movement.  Physical therapy offers such treatments as yoga and clinical Pilates, along with gentle yet effective ways to stay active and stave off disability.  Exercise aids in pain relief and maintaining flexibility.  Physical therapy treatment plans can also be designed for weight loss to relieve pressure on joints.  Massage is effective for rehabilitation should patients undergo joint replacement surgery or have joint swelling.  Physical therapy is designed to relieve pain, improve flexibility and range of motion with treatment plans tailored to the individual patient. Arthritis is painful, debilitating and the leading cause of disability, but patients can treat, alleviate and delay effects with physical therapy.   Do you need help with your osteoarthritis?  Click Here to schedule a FREE Discovery Visit to find ways to regain your life!

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Andrew Vertson

Andrew received his Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science from California State University, Fresno in 1991. He then earned his Master’s degree of Physical Therapy in 1996 and his Doctorate degree of Physical Therapy in 2002 from Loma Linda University. In 1996 he also earned his Certification as an Athletic Trainer. He has also completed extensive post-graduate course work in orthopedic manual therapy through Kaiser-West Los Angeles and the Ola Grimsby Institute.

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