Arthritis affects more than 54 million adults in the United States, making it the leading cause of work disability. The pain, stiffness, and swelling of arthritis can make even simple tasks feel monumental. While there’s no cure for most forms of arthritis, physical therapy is one of the most effective treatments for managing symptoms, maintaining joint function, and staying active. At Kinito Physical Therapy in Oklahoma City, we help arthritis patients reclaim their mobility and quality of life.
Understanding Arthritis
While there are over 100 types of arthritis, the two most common are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Osteoarthritis is a degenerative “wear and tear” condition where cartilage gradually breaks down, most commonly affecting the knees, hips, hands, and spine. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the joint lining, causing inflammation that can damage cartilage and bone. Both conditions cause pain, stiffness, and reduced function, though their treatment approaches differ in important ways.
How Physical Therapy Helps
Exercise: The Best Medicine for Arthritis
It may seem counterintuitive to exercise when your joints hurt, but exercise is consistently recommended as a core treatment for arthritis by every major medical organization. Regular physical activity strengthens the muscles that support arthritic joints, maintains joint range of motion, reduces pain and stiffness, helps manage weight (reducing stress on weight-bearing joints), and improves mood and energy. Your physical therapist ensures you’re doing the right exercises at the right intensity for your specific condition.
Manual Therapy
Hands-on treatment including joint mobilization, soft tissue massage, and stretching can provide immediate pain relief and improve joint mobility. For osteoarthritis patients, manual therapy helps maintain movement in stiff joints. For rheumatoid arthritis patients, gentle techniques can reduce pain without provoking inflammation.
Joint Protection Strategies
Your therapist will teach you techniques for protecting your joints during daily activities. This includes using larger joints for heavy tasks, distributing loads evenly, using ergonomic tools and assistive devices, and pacing activities to avoid overloading sensitive joints. These strategies help you stay active while minimizing joint stress.
Heat and Cold Therapy
Understanding when to use heat versus cold is an important self-management skill. Heat is generally best for stiffness and chronic aching — applied before activity to warm up joints and muscles. Cold is typically used for acute inflammation and swelling — applied after activity to reduce the inflammatory response. Your therapist will teach you how to use both effectively as part of your daily management routine.
Arthritis and Weight Management
Every pound of body weight creates approximately four pounds of force across the knee joint during walking. For patients with knee or hip osteoarthritis, weight management is one of the most impactful interventions available. Research shows that losing just 10% of body weight can reduce knee pain by 50%. Your physical therapist can design a safe exercise program that supports weight management while protecting your joints.
Exercise is the single most effective non-surgical treatment for arthritis — and a physical therapist is the expert who can help you exercise safely and effectively.
Don’t Let Arthritis Hold You Back
Living with arthritis doesn’t mean living with constant pain. At Kinito Physical Therapy, we’ll create a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses your specific type of arthritis and helps you stay as active and comfortable as possible.
Reach out at (405) 848-5005 or book your appointment to start managing your arthritis better.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. Results may vary. Affiliate Disclosure
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. This content is not intended to serve as legal advice. Reliance on any information provided in this post is solely at your own risk.
Ready to take the next step? Call or text us at (405) 633-0783 or fill out our contact form to schedule your appointment today. We’re here to help you move better and feel better.
