Is joint pain slowing you down? If so, then you might need a physical therapist to help you relieve arthritis.
If you’re over 40 and dealing with the frustration of daily discomfort in your knees, back, shoulders, or hips, you might be wondering if arthritis is the cause.
Hearing that word—arthritis—can feel overwhelming, almost like it’s a permanent sentence. But the truth is, arthritis doesn’t have to define your life or keep you from doing the things you love.
Debunking Common Myths About Arthritis
Contrary to popular belief, arthritis isn’t always a sign of irreversible joint damage or a lifetime of suffering. It’s simply a term used to describe changes in the joints as we age. These changes, which include reduced joint space, joint swelling, and cartilage changes, can often be seen in X-rays or MRIs, but they don’t always lead to pain.
In fact, many people in their 30s and 40s show signs of arthritis without experiencing any pain or stiffness. So while it’s true that arthritis is common, it doesn’t have to control your life or limit your mobility.
Types of Arthritis: Osteoarthritis vs. Rheumatoid Arthritis
There are several types of arthritis, but the most common are:
- Osteoarthritis: Caused by wear and tear on the joints, it’s often found in the knees, hips, and hands.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune disease that causes inflammation, often affecting the small joints of the hands and feet.
Understanding the differences between these types helps your physical therapist at PRO Therapy create a personalized plan to help you relieve arthritis.
Arthritis is Like Wrinkles on the Inside
Think of arthritis as “wrinkles” on the inside of your body. Just like skin wrinkles, we all develop them as we age. Arthritis doesn’t mean your joints are broken—it’s a natural part of getting older, and it doesn’t have to limit your lifestyle.
In fact, if you’re over 50 and an X-ray shows no arthritic changes, you’re the exception, not the rule! The truth is, arthritic changes do not automatically mean pain or loss of mobility.
What If I Have Pain and My X-Ray Shows Arthritis?
If your X-ray shows arthritis and you’re experiencing pain, remember that arthritis is only one piece of the puzzle. Many people with the same X-ray findings don’t experience any discomfort at all. That’s why, at PRO Therapy, we assess more than just the arthritis.
We look at your joint mobility, the strength of the muscles around your joints, and your overall health. Often, pain stems from a combination of these factors, not just the arthritic changes.
How Physical Therapy Can Relieve Arthritis Symptoms
At PRO Therapy, we believe that arthritis doesn’t have to limit your quality of life. Our team of Doctors of Physical Therapy can help you relieve arthritis symptoms through:
- Pain management: Targeted exercises and techniques to relieve arthritis.
- Improved mobility: Enhancing joint flexibility and range of motion to prevent stiffness.
- Strengthening muscles: Building support for affected joints to reduce stress and improve stability.
- Education: Guiding you on self-management strategies, lifestyle modifications, and assistive devices.
Real results: “After just six weeks of physical therapy at PRO Therapy, my knee pain from arthritis reduced so much that I’m back to walking daily without discomfort!” – Sarah, 52
By addressing these factors, physical therapy can help you:
- Reduce pain
- Improve mobility
- Increase strength
- Delay or avoid joint replacement surgery
Don’t Let Arthritis Control Your Life
Take back control of your life today and reclaim the freedom to move without pain. Whether it’s keeping up with your kids, going for a walk with your partner, or simply getting out of bed without stiffness, we’re here to help you achieve your goals. You deserve to live pain-free.
Call us at 612-662-0217 or fill out our quick form to schedule your consultation. We’ll work with you to create a personalized plan to reduce pain, improve mobility, and prevent future issues. Don’t wait—every day you spend in pain is a day too long. Let’s start your journey to pain-free living now.
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