November 10th, 2021
Discover How You Can Live More Comfortably!
Chronic joint pain may last for weeks or even months if left untreated. The joints are the structures that form the bonds between the bones. Joints provide you with support and assistance in your movement.
There are many different conditions that may cause chronic joint pain, including bursitis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, sprains, and strains. Joint pain can occur in any part of the body, but in the knee, hip, and shoulder are most common.
If you are one of the many adults living day to day with severe joint pain, we can help. Contact us today or visit us in Lake City, Florence, or Camden, SC to learn more about how physical therapy can help relieve and manage your chronic joint pain.
What’s causing my joint pain?
Osteoarthritis and joint disorders are among the most common conditions for visiting health care providers, according to a new Mayo Clinic Proceedings study. Osteoarthritis is a progressive joint disorder caused by a gradual cartilage loss.
Cartilage loss results in the development of bone spurs and cysts on the surface and margins of the joints, leading to inflammation, pain, stiffness, limited movement, and possible joint deformity. Osteoarthritis is a common cause of chronic joint pain.
Bursitis is a medical condition that affects small, fluid-filled bags. These bags are known as bursae, which are the joint cushions. It often happens through repetitive motion. With bursitis, the bursae becomes inflamed and causes joint pain. Bursitis often occurs in the elbows, shoulders, and hips. Physical therapy can strengthen the muscles in the affected area and reduce bursitis pain.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints of the hands, knees, legs, wrists, shoulders, and ankles. Enzymes attack the tissues of the body and destroy the linings of the joints. The end result is stiffness, pain, swelling, and reduced movements. Physical therapy can help ease the pain of rheumatoid arthritis and slow down the progression of this disease.
Chronic joint pain may also be due to psoriatic arthritis. This skin condition is characterized by swelling of the joints, stiffness, and pain. The immune system attacks the joints of psoriatic arthritis. It often occurs in the joints of the finger and toe, but can also occur in the back and knees.
Physical therapy can help you manage your pain and increase your joint function, no matter what is causing joint pain. Your physical therapist will develop an individualized treatment plan depending on the cause of your joint pain. Our physical therapy services have helped hundreds of people with chronic joint pain and can help you as well!
How can physical therapy help with joint pain?
When living with chronic joint pain, many patients may choose to opt for surgery. While this is sometimes the necessary answer, physical therapy may help you avoid an invasive procedure. According to Harvard Health Publishing,
“Trying physical therapy before opting for surgery may be the better choice. You may be able to spare yourself the expense, pain, and recovery time of surgery, says physical therapist Karen Weber, clinical supervisor at Harvard-affiliated Spaulding Rehabilitation Outpatient Centers in Braintree and Quincy, Mass.
There is growing evidence supporting that idea. In the past few years, studies have indicated that physical therapy is just as effective as surgery for relieving pain and restoring function for people with arthritis in their knees or backs.”
Your physical therapist will work with you to strengthen the muscles around the joint, improve the range of motion, stabilize the joint, and relieve joint pain. PT passive treatments include cold therapy, heat therapy, and hydrotherapy.
Cold therapy reduces swelling and helps to relieve pain. Heat therapy increases the flow of blood to the joints and promotes circulation. Hydrotherapy includes exercises in warm water to facilitate movement. Strengthening exercises increase muscle strength and can also help to relieve pain. Flexibility exercises help to increase movement and restore the joints to normal function.
Depending on the cause of joint pain, a physical therapist may also engage in soft tissue mobilization or joint mobilization. Studies have shown that these types of manual therapy are beneficial to those suffering from joint pain.
Ready to find relief?
You shouldn’t have to deal with chronic joint pain every day. Contact us today to consult with a physical therapist and find out how our services can benefit you!
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