How To Treat Osteoarthritis

Arthritis refers to an inflammation of a joint or joints in the body. One of the most common types of arthritis is osteoarthritis or “degenerative arthritis.” Often described as “wear and tear” arthritis, it affects more than 15 million Americans.

It is a degenerative condition of the articular/hyaline cartilage of synovial joints. Symptoms include pain, swelling and stiffness. Osteoarthritis is a chronic (long-term) disease, most commonly affecting the joints in the knees, hips, spine, hands and toes. There is no cure, buttreatments are available to control symptoms.

How Cahill Physical Therapy Can Help You

Rehabilitation services offered at Cahill Physical Therapy can play a critical role in the treatment plan for osteoarthritis anywhere in the body. One of our highly trained physical therapists will work with you to create an individualized exercise program that will strengthen the muscles around your joint, increase your range of motion and reduce pain.

Cahill Physical Therapy can be a valuable partner in managing this disease.

Depending on which joint or joints are affected and how severely, a personal therapeutic plan is designed that may require the following:

Specific exercises to increase flexibility, mobility and maintain range of motion of the joint, as well as strengthen surrounding muscles to provide support

• Hot and cold treatments
• Massage
• Advice and training on use of assistive equipment, if necessary.
• Weight management – losing weight can put less stress on joints.

Stress reduction can play an important role in recovery from injury. In addition to physical therapy, the right home remedy can help ease your discomfort further by improving circulation and relaxing muscles and joints.

Nutrition and weight control are also key players in your ongoing well being and physical fitness.